The Mumuye live in a part of northeastern
Nigeria so difficult to reach they remained
virtually isolated until 1959. When a culture is
"opened" up to the rest of the world drastic
changes are likely to occur, often reflected in art.
Retaining what is most precious- religious
beliefs, moral values, ancestral wisdom, is
fundamental to a people's cohesion. And such
principles are the very essence of African art;
deeply ingrained in each individual who lives and
breathes them as part of his or her heritage.
Mumuye statuary was not discovered until 1968,
and when they came to light their extraordinary
uniqueness caused a stir among scholars and art
lovers. They are unusual for a number of
reasons. Firstly, the statuary does not depict
ancestors, but rather incarnates tutelary spirits.
To possess one brought prestige and status to
the owner. In a sort of private ritual he would
hold onto the statue and carrying on a dialogue
with it to ensure his personal protection. The
largest statues were used in divination and in
trials where men in dispute swear on the statue
and then kiss it in a gesture of respect. Some
statues (ranging in size from 30cm to 1.5
meters) are used as pillars, topped by a sculpted
head and displayed in the center of the village.
The second most distinctive feature of Mumuye
statuary is its extraordinary abstract design,
unique in African art. This is characterized by
systematic openwork between the body and
arms, which forms a scroll or a spiral around the
slender cylindrical bust. The entire composition
is built upon geometric shapes, constructed
asymmetrically, which paradoxically adds to its
overall beauty and dynamism. Despite its sheer
abstraction this fascinating statue is decidedly
human, full of personality and charm. The
sculptor has left a visual record of intimate
worship and personal values expressed through
a people's union in faith and the art they create
to express that faith; untainted by the outside
world.
