Tribal Art

The vigorous size of this mumuye figure gave rise to a powerful anatomy of dynamic aspect. The sagittal crest, framed by thick distended lobes, composes like a helmet around summarily traced features, concentrated under the hairstyle. Velvety matte patina, lacks.
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The statuary emanating from the northwestern region of the middle Benoué, from the Kona Jukun, to the Mumuye and up to the Wurkun populations is distinguished by a relative absence of ornamentation and a refined stylization. The 100,000 speakers of the Adamawa language form a group called Mumuye and are grouped into villages, dola, divided into two groups: those of fire (tjokwa) relating to blood and the color red, guardians of the Vabong cult, among whom are elected the rulers, and those of the water, (tjozoza), related to humidity and white color. It is from among the latter that the priests of the rain are chosen, initiates of the vadosong cult. The Mumuye are organized into family groups called dola. Their iagalagana statues were stored in a box, tsafi, reserved for this purpose, while another box, java, housed an individual with magical powers and surrounding himself with ritual objects linked to his function and his prestige.