Item. Stunning Mumuye Wood Male Iagalagana figures. Old, Superb, Tall Example. Beautiful patina. 125cm tall. Nigeria.
Tall, excellent and visually attractive example 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 figure for sale is usually used as a Gaurdian 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 figure with commendable form balance and symmetry.
The figure 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 Male figure wears mohawk-style braided coifure. Figure has a narrow face, etched round eyes , fused nose and thin-lipped mouth.
The Iagalagana figure has three tribal marks, arranged in a triangular fashion, around the side of his mouth as is common with the Mumuye people.
Torso is narrow with hands arms extented downwards and parallel to his body 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 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 Male figure is relatively very rare as it is the bigger examples created usually for use as a Gaurdian for homes and communities.
A fine, large, rare and collectible tribal artefact especially considering the appeal of Mumuye Iagalagana in general. A superb complement to any collection.
Kindly note this Male Iagalagana figure is part of a pair with a female figure. we have listed this Male and his female pair in another listing should you wish to purchase him with his original and complementary female partner.
Measurement. Male. 125cm high x 17cm wide x 18cm deep.
Weight. 6kg approx combined weight.
Figure will be sent using UPS tracked delivery. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you..