Twin Figure ‘Kundul’

Wurkun, Benue Region, Nigeria

Late 19th - Early 20th century

Wood, Pigments

75cm Tall

Provenance:

Unter Family Collection, Acquired 1970’s

Bruce Frank, New York

Wurkun statues from the Benue region of Nigeria are mysterious, powerful, and extremely unique in their artistic composition. These trunctual figures are normally carved in pairs, with the male having a central crest representing a men's dance headdress. They are typically made by blacksmiths on request by families seeking advice from diviners. ‘Kundul’ are most often associated with healing rituals, but may also be used for protection against spirits. The statues would be kept for long periods of time, receiving annual offerings after harvests. The lustrous black patina results from the figure being covered in sacrifices and then washed, after which they are polished with oil. This process is repeated annually and over time results in a beautiful, dark patina. The present example is most notable for its exceptional size, being of much taller height than the average figure from this region.