Female Figure (Iagalagana)

Sculptures from northeastern Nigeria are among the most powerfully abstracted conceptions of the human form. The raw power that seems to have been made incarnate in the sculptures of the Mumuye, Montol, Goemai, and their neighbors, is to some a triumph of simplicity over detail, underscored by pure power.

The Mumuye produce extremely fluid images, the arms often little more than delicately carved ribbons, the heads often appearing “helmeted”.

Mumuye sculptures have many functions. They may be used in the Rain Maker’s hut or may be used as general house guardians. Additionally figures had powers in trials for alleged witchcraft and were used by ritualists in healing rites.Of note, the images were occasionally also used by their owners as confidants, who could be consulted in times of difficulty.

This figure is rare for the evidence of gender; if not depicted the ears are the only means of determining the gender – in this case, the open spaces in the ears denote the female gender of the piece.

This particular example is more inspired than many, with a well balanced interplay of parts; the head and legs being roughly approximate in length, and balanced on an elongated torso which characteristically is nearly encircled by delicate arms.

The combination of square and round volumes in this figure creates a tension that gives the figure a sense of movement and in this case, proud, erect posture.