Statue

Female figure from the Mumuye people of Nigeria. “The head, neck, and torso, perfectly aligned, form the axis of an essentially cylindrical, airy, and coherent spatial construction, defined by the enveloping arms, almost like great wings, the powerful splayed legs, and the imposing coiffure. [...] The intriguing face is a sophisticated invention whose arbitrary features harmonize perfectly with the whole. The luminous surface, marked by the facets left by the sculptor’s tool, contributes to the expressive power of the work” (quoted from E. Bassani [ed.], Arte dell'Africa Nera, Florence–Milan, Skira, 2000). The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00053 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC, Milano.