Tribal Art

In the north of Benoué, this type of anthropomorphic sculptures are used during funerals, agricultural festivals or in cases of danger. Their role is that of mediator between the afterlife and the priest. Partially shiny dark patina, grainy residue with a matte appearance. Erosions and desiccation cracks.

The Jukuns are a population of West and Central Africa living mainly in Nigeria in the upper Benue Valley, also in the northwest of Cameroon.
The Southern Jukun have of a tradition of masks, including the male akuma mask linked to the cult of the same name and of which four types were listed by A.Rubin. They often have horns evoking the ram or the antelope, in relation to the Akuma cult. The statues are rare, and relate to the Mam cult widespread in eastern Nigeria. They represent the deceased chiefs, their wives and their entourage. They are exhibited during ceremonies linked to harvests and rain, and during crises. We also know of pairs of statues called anhebi, which are planted in the ground in order to protect crops. (Art of the Upper Benue River, C.Evers, and African Art, Kerchache)