|
Home | ||||||||
|
A fine Mambila 'tadep' figure browse these categories for related items... All Items: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: African: Sculpture: Pre 1950: item # 929340 Please refer to our stock # M329900la when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $7,000.00 |
|
|||||||||||
| Living on the border of Nigeria and Cameroon, the Mambila people believe ancestral spirits must intercede to maintain a harmonious existence for the living community. Individuals are not capable of addressing the supreme being directly, and wooden figures, like this example, with heart-shaped faces and compressed features, are thought to embody the ancestors who will bring protection, prosperity and wealth to the village. The Mambila association called 'Suaga,' is the reason such figures, as well as masks, are made. When not in use, they are all stored in small granary-like buildings on the homesteads of clans and family owners. The gray-brown coloration of the figure is the result of washing a type of camwood paste over the surface. Traces of the red, white, and black paint, which further accented the figure's features, are visible; the bright red colored clay has been best preserved inside the mouth and ears. Small wooden pegs have been inserted around the face, as is common with 'tadep' figures, and the gesture of arms and hands drawn up toward the chin, is a sign of respect. It is a classic rendition, expressing well the Mambila predilection for strong, bold, abstract form. 19" in height, excluding the base. In very fine condition with some losses to the wood from insect damage and several 'checked' areas where the material opened-up after being carved. Patina shows a slightly encrusted, shiny surface with wear overall. Provenance: Old Florida private collection formed in the mid 1930's, purchased in Amsterdam ca. 1985 from Italiaander. | ||||||||||||
|
