Chamba Ancestor Statue - Chamba - Nigeria

Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Chamba
Material. Wood.
Dimension. 40 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h (please open)

This piece is an ancestral statue (or a protective spirit) from the Chamba people, located in the Benue Valley region in northeastern Nigeria.

Chamba art is renowned for its minimalist and cubist aesthetics, often compared to that of their neighbors, the Mumuye.

The Head: It features a highly stylized ovoid or arrowhead shape. The face is simplified with circular eyes (often discs or incisions) and a mouth slightly ajar protruding forward.
The Torso and Limbs: The body is designed around a central cylindrical column. The arms, detached from the torso but following its curve, form dynamic angles that create a visual rhythm characteristic of the Chamba 'volumetric' style.
Sexual Attributes: Although the body seems androgynous at first glance, the presence of small conical breasts and a hairstyle or bump at the top of the skull may indicate a female figure or a fertility representation.

Ancestor Worship: These statues, sometimes called tauwa or kona, generally serve as receptacles for the spirits of ancestors. They are kept in sacred compartments or family shrines.
Protection: They are used to protect the community, promote harvests, or heal illnesses. Their role is to establish a bridge between the world of the living and that of the spirits.