Lot: 204

93e vente aux enchères Tribal Art

Figure anthropomorphe "iagalagana"

Nigéria, Mumuye

Provenance Taille Prix d’appel / Prix d'Estimation
Ian Auld (1926-2000), London, Great Britain H: 85 cm Cet objet n’est plus disponible.

wood, pigments, base

"Iagalagana" figures underlined the status and prestige of their owner. They embodied superior tutelary spirits and were used in the most diverse areas.

They helped the sick, predicted the future, attracted rainfall, or made it thunder. They also had a judicial role in a given family by confounding liars and thieves.

The most important task of the figures was to watch over the family estate and protect the residents, as well as all guests who were granted access.