{"product_id":"antique-semi-abstract-mumuye-guardian-figure-trade","title":"Antique Semi-Abstract Mumuye Guardian Figure (Trade)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 37-inch figure is a powerful example of the celebrated sculptural traditions of the Mumuye people from the Middle Benue River Valley in Nigeria. Mumuye artistry is world-renowned for its bold, \"cubist\" approach to the human form, which famously captivated European modernists in the mid-20th century. These figures, known as Iagalagana, served multiple roles within the community—acting as personal guardians, intermediaries for rain-making rituals, and symbols of judicial authority. Carved from a single block of dense African hardwood, this figure showcases the classic Mumuye silhouette: an elongated, zig-zagging torso that creates a dynamic sense of movement. The stylized head features a serene, narrow face with a traditional crested coiffure, while the \"wrapped\" arms encircle the body in a protective gesture, a signature trait of the Benue River style. The wood possesses a remarkably deep, dark patina, with an authentic age-sheen that highlights the sharp, confident chisel marks of the artisan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Standing at 37 inches with a compact 8-inch footprint, this figure is a sculptural powerhouse that fits perfectly on a console, a deep shelf, or a low pedestal. Its dark, rich tones and abstract geometry make it an exceptional anchor for a Modern Primitive interior, providing a sophisticated organic contrast to clean lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Era: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eMid-20th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Size: 8\"(L) x 6“(D) x 37“(H) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Material: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eHand-Carved Solid Hardwood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Color: Dark Brown Patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Features: Abstract \"zig-zag\" torso; \"wrapped\" arms; deep dark historic patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Culture: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMumuye People\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Origin: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eNigeria, West Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e*Condition: Excellent antique condition with a rich, historic surface and authentic structural aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e(Requires White Glove Delivery)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49571462938861,"sku":"IMG_9272","price":2275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0288\/5256\/files\/IMG_9272_804d8352-7a00-46a9-8614-a18135202b61.jpg?v=1773355298","url":"https:\/\/de-cor.com\/products\/antique-semi-abstract-mumuye-guardian-figure-trade","provider":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","version":"1.0","type":"link"}