Statue of Lagalagana

 

People discovered very late despite the fact that in their region, the curve of Benué and the border of Cameroon, between the cities of Jalingo and Zinna to the northeast of Nigeria, the human implantation dates from more than 40.000 years.
Slaved by the Jukun , when they are defeated by the Fulani undertake flight and settle in Yoro, his priest being his highest religious authority. The current mumuye are considered descendants of their ancestors of Yoro. They are organized into family groups called dola whose head is met by a leader elected from the council of notables.
The secret society Vabong directs the religious life of the Mumuye. Entry into this society takes place after overcoming an initiation that involves difficult moral and physical tests and during which they learn the meaning of masks. From the neophycals to the great initiates there are seven degrees in this society.
The skulls of the ancestors, where they think the soul resides, are kept in a hut, tsufi, in the village where families worship them and offer sacrifices to attract their favors and help them to have good harvests. For this same purpose they celebrate the dance of the Vaca. Next to these skulls are statues carved in his honor, thinking that his spirit will also penetrate the statue that once taken home from his owner will protect the family.

We are here in the presence of a small statue adorned with cauris, which form along the chest and legs an inverted "Y". These figures in addition to their divinatory functions and their ability to attract rain are prestigious objects for their owners.