Jukun ancestor statue - Nigeria
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Description from the seller
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Jukun
Material. Wood
Dimension. 68 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This piece is a remarkable example of Jukun statuary (originating from the Benue River valley in Nigeria). These figures, often called baki, hold a central place in the spiritual and political life of this people.
Head and Headdress: The most distinctive element is the tall, cylindrical, almost architectural headdress. This stylized form is a strong marker of Jukun identity, often symbolizing status or spiritual power.
Ears: The ears are represented in a very pronounced way, in the shape of volutes or a "C". In African sculpture, exaggerated ears often symbolize wisdom, attentive listening to spirits, or vigilance.
Facial features: The face shows a marked verticality. The projection under the chin, resembling a pointed beard or an extension of the jaw, is a characteristic trait of this type of sculpture, emphasizing the gravity and authority of the figure depicted.
Posture: The figure adopts a frontal and static posture. Hands resting on the abdomen (or drawn toward the center of the body) often underscore the link with fertility, lineage, and respect for ancestors. The deliberately altered proportions (head and torso emphasized relative to the limbs) highlight the sacred nature rather than realism of the work.
Meaning and Function
Ancestral effigy: These statues are not mere decorative objects. They embody ancestors or protective spirits. They served as intermediaries during rituals aimed at soliciting the community's protection, ensuring good harvests, or resolving social conflicts.
Patina and Use: The dark, deep patina of the wood indicates prolonged ritual use. In traditional cultures, these statues were often kept in sanctuaries and subjected to libations (oils, pigments, sacrificial blood), which explains their polished and darkened appearance over time.
Cultural Context
The Jukun have a complex political history, having been a dominant power in the region (the kingdom of Kwararafa). Their art reflects this hierarchical structure: these statues were often used to legitimize the power of chiefs or dignitaries by affirming their direct connection with the founding ancestors.
This is a piece that combines great economy of form with a powerful presence, typical of the aesthetic rigor of the Benue Valley traditions.
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Jukun
Material. Wood
Dimension. 68 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This piece is a remarkable example of Jukun statuary (originating from the Benue River valley in Nigeria). These figures, often called baki, hold a central place in the spiritual and political life of this people.
Head and Headdress: The most distinctive element is the tall, cylindrical, almost architectural headdress. This stylized form is a strong marker of Jukun identity, often symbolizing status or spiritual power.
Ears: The ears are represented in a very pronounced way, in the shape of volutes or a "C". In African sculpture, exaggerated ears often symbolize wisdom, attentive listening to spirits, or vigilance.
Facial features: The face shows a marked verticality. The projection under the chin, resembling a pointed beard or an extension of the jaw, is a characteristic trait of this type of sculpture, emphasizing the gravity and authority of the figure depicted.
Posture: The figure adopts a frontal and static posture. Hands resting on the abdomen (or drawn toward the center of the body) often underscore the link with fertility, lineage, and respect for ancestors. The deliberately altered proportions (head and torso emphasized relative to the limbs) highlight the sacred nature rather than realism of the work.
Meaning and Function
Ancestral effigy: These statues are not mere decorative objects. They embody ancestors or protective spirits. They served as intermediaries during rituals aimed at soliciting the community's protection, ensuring good harvests, or resolving social conflicts.
Patina and Use: The dark, deep patina of the wood indicates prolonged ritual use. In traditional cultures, these statues were often kept in sanctuaries and subjected to libations (oils, pigments, sacrificial blood), which explains their polished and darkened appearance over time.
Cultural Context
The Jukun have a complex political history, having been a dominant power in the region (the kingdom of Kwararafa). Their art reflects this hierarchical structure: these statues were often used to legitimize the power of chiefs or dignitaries by affirming their direct connection with the founding ancestors.
This is a piece that combines great economy of form with a powerful presence, typical of the aesthetic rigor of the Benue Valley traditions.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Jukun ancestor statue
Height
68 cm
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