Rare figure debout

light brown wood, partly encrusted patina, reddish brown paint, black paint remains, showing abstract forms, plant fibres, two circular drillings at the back, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, base.
The Mama are an ethnic group in northern Nigeria, to the west of the Geomai between the town of Jos and the river Benue. Like the Mambila, Mumuye and other groups of the Nigerian Plateau they were known as fierce warriors, and cannibals.
The Mama people became especially known for their highly abstract antelope and buffalo masks. Figures are rather rare and only little is known about their use.
According to Frank, there is only one cult represented by carved figures. This is called "tabalak" and causes and heals skin diseases. The figures were kept in secret and used in the healing ceremonies.