Item.
Stunning Mumuye Wood Male and female pair of Iagalagana figures. Old, Superb, Tall Example. Beajtiful patina. 125cm and 123cm tall.
Nigeria.

Tall, excellent and visually attractive examples with beautiful patination.

Origin.
The Mumuye people of Taraba State, Nigeria.

Use.
The Mumuye people host a rich artistic tradition, much of which is figurative and linked to their religious and cultural practices.

They are famous for creating figural , austere but attractive sculptures called Iagalagana.

The Iagalagana have many uses mainly revolving around functions to do with divination, healing, protection, general welfare, prosperity, spiritual wellbeing, companionship and more.

Large examples, like this male and female pair for sale are usually used as Gaurdians for homes and family compounds to be placed outside entry door or Gate.

Others of different and smaller sizes can serve judicial functions and are even confidants of owners of the Iagalagana.

Their functions are almost limitless because they are important to the spiritual essence of Mumuye people who then tend to 'customise' their own Iagalagana to individual and specific needs.

Description.
Fine, old and used example of an Iagalagana Mumuye male and female pair of figures with commendable form balance and symmetry.

The figures conforms with the austere and uncomplicated yet fascinating appearance of Iagalagana figures that is unintentionally striking and beautiful through the simplicity of its construction.

This aesthetic appeal has made the Iagalagana one of the iconic and most sought-after favourites of collectors and lovers of African Art.

The Iagalagana pair wears mohawk-style braided coifures.Visible are a narrow face, etched round eyes , fused noses and thin-lipped mouths.

The Iagalagana pair have three tribal marks, arranged in a triangular fashion, around the side of each mouth as is common with the Mumuye people.

Torsos of both are narrow with hands arms extented downwards and parallel to their bodies and terminating around hip area of the Iagalagana pair.

Navel, as is characteristic of Iagalagana figures, is exaggerated.

General sculpting finesse is superb, in my opinion, and complements the overall aesthetic appeal of this striking and big male and female pair of Iagalagana figure.

Beautiful and genuine patination derived from age, wear and use.

Several stable cracks and minor wood degradation visible, as shown in pictures, but not obtrusive or weakening.

Good evidence of genuine age, use and natural wear.

This Iagalagana pair are relatively very rare as they are they bigger examples created usually for use as Gaurdians for homes and communities.

A fine rare and collectible tribal artefact especially because they are a male and female pair and considering the appeal of Mumuye Iagalagana in general. A superb complement to any collection.

Measurement.
Male.
125cm high x 17cm wide x 18cm deep.
Female.
123cm high x 15xm wide x 18cm deep

Weight.
11kg approx combined weight.


Pair will be sent using UPS tracked delivery. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you..