Ancestor Figure – Wood – Mama – Nigeria

Fine expressive ancestor figure of the Nigerian MAMA tribe. The Mama live on the plateaus of northern Nigeria, extending from the present-day state of Ebbi to the Cameroon border. Difficulty accessible, this extremely varied region from an ethnic and linguistic point of view, has in the past been the site of numerous migrations and invasions.
The mask has a beautiful brown patina and was designed in the shape of the head of a buffalo. The buffalo plays an important role in ancestor worship at the MAMA tribe. This animal is closely related to the material prosperity provided by good harvests.
From an artistic viewpoint, the Mama are producers of abstract masks that are associated with the world of the ancestral spirits – spirits who exercise an important function of social control
Good condition with traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Including professional custom made stand.