A iron sculpture - Mumuye - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Mumuye Iron Sculpture - Jalingo Region, Nigeria, incl stand. The towering iron figure embodies a radical reduction of the human form to line, rhythm, and movement. A tiny, rounded head with sparsely suggested features sits atop an exceptionally long, slender neck. Below, two differently angled arms open, accompanying the rod-like torso like swinging pendulums. At the hips, several forged elements converge into a complex, ring-like structure from which two long, slightly splayed legs emerge. The rough, rust-brown surface retains the marks of ironworking and lends the figure an archaic austerity. An impressive sculptural presence arises from the interplay of fragile lightness and upright tension. The Mumuye people live in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in the Jalingo region of present-day Taraba State. Alongside their well-known wooden sculptures, the region's ironwork possesses a distinct tradition. Iron was crafted for tools, prestige objects, and ritual implements. Particularly noteworthy are the iron ceremonial staffs, which were associated with rain rituals. The anthropomorphic form of the present work suggests a symbolic meaning; however, its precise function and attribution to a specific local workshop remain unclear without further documentation. Literature (selection): Marla C. Berns / Richard Fardon / Sidney Littlefield Kasfir (eds.): Central Nigeria Unmasked: Arts of the Benue River Valley. Los Angeles 2011. Frank Herreman / Constantijn Petridis: Mumuye: Sculpture from Nigeria. The Human Figure Reinvented. 2016. Some of the information and photos are generated by artificial intelligence and is based on published sources from the fields of ethnography, archaeology, and art history documents. All information and photos are protected by copyright. Inv. No. MAZ30381 Informant: Amadou Dogo

Estimation:€250

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