Trumpet-Eared Mumuye Figure

Central Nigeria Unmasked features a single-figure wooden Mumuye statue either carved by the same hand or closely related to this one. While “gendered anatomical detail appears absent,” the figure’s Adam’s apple indicates masculinity. Facial features, including the “trumpet-shaped ears, lateral mouth and prominent chin are shared with some other Mumuye figures coming onto the market around the same time[1970’s].” The circular eyes and torso engravings were sometimes painted white.  This particular figure was exported from Nigeria around the time of the date given above by legendary tribal dealer James Willis who kept it until the last year of his life on a desk in his San Francisco home.

18″

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