Chamba statue - Nigeria
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Chamba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 48 cm
Shipping method Colissimo within 24-48h; please open.
This decorative sculpture is a remarkable example of the statuary art of the Chamba people, located in the Benue Valley region, at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The Chamba statuary is renowned for its minimalist, abstract aesthetics, which stand in stark contrast to the more naturalistic styles of their neighbors.
The Head: It features an ovoid shape with extremely simplified facial features. Small ears in relief and eyes or a mouth barely suggested are often distinguished.
The Headdress/Top: The most striking element is this tall vertical extension or crown-shaped hair, which gives the piece an elongated and majestic silhouette.
The Body: The torso is cylindrical and compact. The arms are carved in bas-relief, closely embracing the flanks and often meeting at the lower abdomen or pubis in a gesture of protection or restraint.
The Legs: Typically Chamba, the legs are short, slightly bent and massive, anchoring the figure in a stable and powerful posture.
Wood: Carved from a hard and dense wood.
Use and Meaning: The Tau-Wua
These statues, called Tau-Wua, play a crucial role in Chamba cosmology:
Ancestor Worship: They serve as receptacles for the spirits of deceased ancestors. They were usually kept in family or community sanctuaries.
Protection and Guidance: They are consulted to ensure fertility of the lands, the health of the family, or to obtain guidance before important decisions.
Twins: In some contexts, these figures can also represent twins, a strong spiritual theme in many West African cultures.
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Chamba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 48 cm
Shipping method Colissimo within 24-48h; please open.
This decorative sculpture is a remarkable example of the statuary art of the Chamba people, located in the Benue Valley region, at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.
The Chamba statuary is renowned for its minimalist, abstract aesthetics, which stand in stark contrast to the more naturalistic styles of their neighbors.
The Head: It features an ovoid shape with extremely simplified facial features. Small ears in relief and eyes or a mouth barely suggested are often distinguished.
The Headdress/Top: The most striking element is this tall vertical extension or crown-shaped hair, which gives the piece an elongated and majestic silhouette.
The Body: The torso is cylindrical and compact. The arms are carved in bas-relief, closely embracing the flanks and often meeting at the lower abdomen or pubis in a gesture of protection or restraint.
The Legs: Typically Chamba, the legs are short, slightly bent and massive, anchoring the figure in a stable and powerful posture.
Wood: Carved from a hard and dense wood.
Use and Meaning: The Tau-Wua
These statues, called Tau-Wua, play a crucial role in Chamba cosmology:
Ancestor Worship: They serve as receptacles for the spirits of deceased ancestors. They were usually kept in family or community sanctuaries.
Protection and Guidance: They are consulted to ensure fertility of the lands, the health of the family, or to obtain guidance before important decisions.
Twins: In some contexts, these figures can also represent twins, a strong spiritual theme in many West African cultures.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Chamba statue
Height
48 cm
Sold by
