Mumuye statue, Nigeria, wood and mineral polychromy traces

Description

Mumuye statue, Nigeria, wood and mineral polychromy traces
H : 11 in
Half 20th century, ex-private collection (Hyères – France)
Small anthropomorphic mumuyé statue with a characteristic style, short legs, moving arms, black patina and traces of kaolin. This size of statue is quite rare, the mumuyé statuary having mainly produced sculptures of medium and large size. These statues are symbols of rank and prestige and the property of individuals such as healers or soothsayers. This statuette has a good patina of use, it is authentic and dates from the middle of the 20th century.