Mambila Statuette - Nigeria

Origin: Nigeria
Tribe name: Mambila
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h. Open.

This decorative statue is a work of Mambila art, a people living mainly on the Mambila plateau, at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. Mambila sculptures are immediately recognizable by their unique style and geometric abstraction.
The face (the distinguishing feature): The most emblematic characteristic of Mambila art is the heart-shaped face ("cordiform"). Here one observes a pronounced hollowness around the eyes and nose, creating a very particular sculptural volume. The eyes are often large, almond-shaped, and give the gaze a deep, almost hypnotic intensity.
The posture: The figure is depicted in a ritual posture, hands joined (or crossed) on the chest or upper abdomen. The legs are slightly bent, suggesting a crouched posture or a dynamic resting position.
The silhouette: The morphology is stylized. The slightly protruding belly is a recurring symbol in African art, often representing fertility, vitality or wealth. The balance between the volumes of the head, the torso and the limbs shows mastery of abstraction characteristic of this ethnic group.

In Mambila culture, these statues are called "Tar" (or sometimes associated with the term Kike). Here is what to know about their use:
Suaga Society: These figures are traditionally associated with the Suaga ritual society. They are not mere decorations, but objects charged with power.
Spiritual function: They serve as mediators with ancestors or spirits. They are used in healing rituals, for community protection, or to resolve conflicts and ensure social justice.