Item.

Extremely Rare Mama Wood Zoomorphic "Bush Cow"  figure. Superb example. Fine Patina. 76cm. Nigeria. " Bush Cow" is the name given to the Buffalo by the Mama people.

Excellent example obtained in it's home of origin,  creation and use.

Origin.

Mama or Katana people of the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. They are a small ethnic group numbering around 70,000 who practice animism, which is the belief that natural objects, like plants, animals, and inanimate objects, have a spiritual essence.

Use.

This standing Zoomorphic "Bush Cow" figure, per the practice of Animism of the Mama people, is a shrine figure venerated for blessings of good agricultural harvest, protection against evil spirits and general wellbeing of society. They also perform judicial functions of sanctioning wrongdoers.

Description.

The Mamas are famous for their Bush cow masks (seen in last two pictures in our image gallery) called the "Mangam" .

Th Bush Cow figure is a stylized Zoomorphic figure possessing the head of a Buffalo and the body of a female human.

Figure conforms with the austere and uncomplicated carving style of the Mama people

The "Mangam" head of the figure has horn that meet to rear and a snout-like mouth with teeth detailing.

Figure has breast with three scarification marks on each along with similar marks above her navel. Arms are parallel to her sides.

She has defined representation of the female genitalia and legs shorter than her torso.

General sculpting finesse and attention to details with commendable form, balance and symmetry throughout.

Patination is particularly striking. Derived from a combination of age, use, wear and the dye originally used to stain the figure.

Some minor wood degradation that are hardly visible. Item is therefore in very good collectors condition

Good evidence of genuine age, use and natural wear throughout.

A superb and very rare tribal treasure to complement any collection.

Measurement.

76cm high x 21cm wide x 25cm deep

Weight.

5kg approx.

Item will be sent using quality UPS tracked delivery. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is mad. Thank you..