African Ancestral Tadep Dia Mambila Figure, Nigeria

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Large Mambila Anthropomorphic Male Figure, Tadep type - Nigeria/Cameroon - African Art, 59 cm.

Large anthropomorphic male sculpture, hand-carved in … Read more Large Mambila Anthropomorphic Male Figure, Tadep type - Nigeria/Cameroon - African Art, 59 cm.

Large anthropomorphic male sculpture, hand-carved in solid wood, attributable to the Mambila artistic tradition of the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon, associated with the Donga Valley. The figure presents a strongly stylized and expressive language, with a large head, elongated face, circular and protruding eyes, geometric nose, and marked mouth. It retains traces of ancient light pigmentation, probably kaolin-based, mainly on the face. The body is robust, with broad shoulders, a very developed chest, and arms flexed in front of the torso. The anatomy seems to present visible male sexual attributes, which is why it is identified as a male figure. The legs are short, voluminous, and segmented, ending in a quite eroded base. The formal construction, the proportion between head and body, the treatment of the limbs, and the pigmentation features show affinities with the so-called Tadep figures produced by the Mambila. Larger specimens are sometimes referred to in the literature as Tadep Dia; at approximately 59 cm, this piece falls dimensionally within this group. These sculptures have been linked to the Suaga ritual complex, in which human figures were used in contexts associated with protection, healing, justice, and other social and religious practices. The surface exhibits a very marked patina, with strong aging of the wood, inlaid areas, and traces of ancient polychromy. Longitudinal fissures, material loss, erosion, small galleries and perforations are visible, as well as wear on the feet, lower limbs, face, and other protruding areas. The state of conservation should be understood as an integral part of the material history of the piece, and aggressive cleaning or restoration is not advisable before eventual specialized evaluation.

Object: male anthropomorphic figure / ritual sculpture. Culture / attribution: Mambila. Typology: Tadep type, possibly Tadep Dia. Attributed origin: Nigeria / Cameroon, Donga region. Material: wood with traces of pigmentation. Estimated dating: 20th century, possibly first half. Height: 59 cm. Condition: Shows signs of age and use. See less