Nigeria
Mumuye

Wood, beads, cowrie shells, rattan, fiber
Mid 20th Century
Length: 36 inches
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

Mumuye artists are famous for their wooden statues known as ‘iagalagana,’ which were discovered in the late 1960s. This Mumuye figural rattle with discs and cowrie shells shows the stylistic signs of this ethnic group. The finial on top of the rattle and the supporting figure at the bottom are the wood carved ‘iagalagana.’  They have muscular legs, proportionally shorter than the remainder of the body, a slender torso, metal rings with discs attached, and a rounded chest (toroidal shape) with arms suspended at the sides. The top finial also has beaded ear rings. The Mumuye distinguish the gender of the figures based on the shape of the ears; only Mumuye women pierce and distend their earlobes. This may be the only clue to determining the gender of the figure on top as a female. 

The functions of Mumuye sculptural figures are varied. It is understood that the statuary does not depict ancestors, but rather incarnates tutelary spirits.  They were used by both diviners and healers, whose professions included diagnosis and cure of ill health and other kinds of misfortunes.