Pair Of Mumuye Statues – Nigeria – Early 20th Century

Important Pair of Mumuye Statues – Nigeria – Early 20th Century. An imposing pair of anthropomorphic Mumuye statues, carved in wood, from northeastern Nigeria and collected in the early 20th century. The Mumuye people are renowned for their powerfully stylized sculptures, characterized by slender bodies, expressive heads, and deliberately distorted proportions, giving the figures a remarkable sculptural presence. The large lateral ears, geometric faces, and decorative incisions visible on the torso attest to this formal language specific to Mumuye statuary. These two figures, forming a couple, display a solemn upright posture with outstretched arms joining the legs, a composition typical of this sculptural tradition. The treatment of the neck, often encircled and elongated, further accentuates the overall sculptural tension. The surface retains a beautiful antique patina as well as residual traces of polychromy, recalling their ritual and ceremonial use. The marks of time and use contribute to the authentic character of these sculptures. With their exceptional dimensions of 140 cm in height, these statues possess a truly museum-quality presence, reminiscent of the large pieces held in collections of tribal art and ethnographic museums. Characteristics: Mumuye people, Nigeria; Carved wood; Height: 140 cm each; Collection: early 20th century; Traces of former polychromy; Condition, patina, and marks of time consistent with age and ritual function. A spectacular and rare pair due to their scale, with a strong aesthetic presence, ideal for a tribal art collection or museum display.