Two-headed Mamiya statue, Nigeria, c. 1960

A double-headed Mamiya sculpture with a bisexual torso, possibly from the border area of ​​Nigeria and Cameroon. Mamiya statues are known as Iagalagana. The Mamiya are organised by age classes and elect a village chief who is assisted by a council of elders. The secret Vabong society regulates Mamiya religious life. Entry into the society is achieved through initiation ceremonies. Initiation of boys begins at the age of ten and takes place in a Tsafi hut, where the statues are kept. Although the Mamiya show great respect for ancestors, their statues do not represent ancestors but embody tutelary spirits. Reproduced: Catalogue "Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent", p. 83 right. Height: 81 cm
 
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall