The lumbering and quiet yet potentially aggressive pose of this protective figure is highlighted by its outsized hands, disquietingly angled limbs, and severely abstracted face, featuring a gaping mouth and a pair of slightly raised mounds suggesting the eyes.
- Culture: Chamba
- Medium: Wood, sacrificial materials
- Place Made: Adamawa State, Nigeria
- Dates: early 20th century
- Dimensions: 24 3/8 x 6 x 5 in. (61.9 x 15.2 x 12.7 cm) (show scale)
- Collections:Arts of Africa
- Museum Location: This item is on view in South Gallery, 1st Floor
- Accession Number: 2011.31.1
- Credit Line: Gift in honor of William Siegmann in recognition of his contributions to the study and understanding of African Arts
- Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY
- Caption: Chamba. Male Figure, early 20th century. Wood, sacrificial materials, 24 3/8 x 6 x 5 in. (61.9 x 15.2 x 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in honor of William Siegmann in recognition of his contributions to the study and understanding of African Arts, 2011.31.1. Creative Commons-BY
- Catalogue Description: Standing male figure with a flat central crest running down middle/top of the head. Figure has outsized hands, limbs that join the torso at a sharp and irregular angle below an open, gaping mouth, and a severely reduced face, whose only other distinguishing feature is a pair of slightly raised mounds suggesting eyes. The entire work is covered in a fine and even sacrificial patina. Stands on an attached wooden base. Condition: good.
- Record Completeness: Best (83%)