The Mambila are a small tribe in northeastern Nigeria, on the border of Cameroon. They erect such ancestor figures, known as ‘Tadep’, in their own shrines and huts, to protect the villages and their inhabitants. The present, male ancestor figure is a typical, very old example of such a ‘Tadep’: it is carved from light-coloured wood and dyed black, with large, wide head and heart-shaped face. At the top of the head are two short, curved horns and the hairstyle consists of inserted wooden pegs. The ears are triangular and recessed. The heart-shaped face is concave towards the inside, displays small coffee bean eyes, a short, triangular nose and a closed mouth with pouting lips. The head rests, without neck, on the body. The shoulders are wide and offset, the arms are free and bent, and only the forearms rest on the teardrop-shaped, curved body. The entire figure stands on powerful, bent legs. This typical Mambila ancestor figure has only a few small breakages due to age, as on the right horn, on the head, on the left shoulder on the back, on the legs and feet (old breaks), as well as colour scuffing on exposed places (hands and feet). Otherwise no damage. The impressive, multi-layered patina is encrusted and shiny, through sacrificial offerings and protracted use. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the right foot at the outside.
Height: 41 cm; width: 14 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘Mambilla’ by Nancy Beth A. Schwartz, ill., 10, 40; ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 104, ill. 3; ‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 412, 414.