STATUE MUMUYE

L'incroyable richesse plastique de cette œuvre, son dynamisme parfaitement tridimensionnel en font un remarquable témoignage de l'art des Mumuye, pratiquement inconnus jusqu'à la seconde moitié du XXème siècle, et dont cet exemplaire est l'un des plus anciens.
MUMUYE FIGURE, NORTH EAST NIGERIA

Representing a standing figure on short slightly bent legs, the hips supporting a tubular torso with prominent navel, powerful shoulders with long arms are wrapped around the chest, the head bears a cubist headdress, with large ears, small mouth and nose.

The incredible richness of this work, its three dimensional dynamism are a remarkable example of Mumuye carving, which was virtually unknown until the second half of the 20th century, and which this is one of the oldest known examples.