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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

231 - - Lagalagana statue - Mumuye - Nigeria - 103 cm An important…
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Estimate €100 - €200
Sale commission
Description
- Lagalagana statue - Mumuye - Nigeria - 103 cm An important anthropomorphic figure attributed to the Mumuye people of north-east Nigeria, whose statuary is considered to be one of the most original expressions of African art. This sculpture displays the essential characteristics of the Mumuye style: a slender silhouette, long tapering legs, a torso reduced to simple geometric volumes and a disproportionately large head dominating the whole composition. The face, treated with a remarkable economy of means, is animated by a straight nose, half-closed eyes and a discreet mouth. The large, protruding circular ears frame the head and accentuate the impression of monumentality. The long cylindrical neck is a recurring stylistic element in Mumuye sculpture, providing an elegant transition between the head and the body. The arms, which are very long, fall down the torso in an attempt to achieve a verticality that gives the work a particularly striking presence. Mumuye statuary was associated with a variety of ritual and social contexts. These figures were used in cults linked to ancestors, fertility, group protection and initiation societies. Kept in family or community sanctuaries, they were invested with spiritual power and consulted during important ceremonies.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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