While little information is available on the Mumuye, present data indicates that such statues have a variety of essential communal roles and function in many ways : in divination, in healing rites, in lineage to affirm status, and as vessels to facilitate communication with the ancestors or spirit beings. Mumuye art is an integral component in the maintenance of communal health.

This piece, which is in a particularly original style, presents large ears with an unusually hollowed-out face. The chin is decorated by a labret. This fine and old statue has a restrained sensuality, and the form evoked here is to our knowledge unique.
Probably 18^th / 19^th century.

Origin : Collection Yves Develon, Paris, 1994

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