Mambila Tadep Male Guardian Figure, Mambila People,Nigeria

Most Mambilla or Mambila people live in East-Nigeria; a small fraction migrated across the Cameroon border. They are famous for the originality of their sculptures, especially the so-called Tadep figures. The Tadep statistics were used by the Suaga association, which was concerned with justice, protection from supernatural forces and healing rites. This ritual paraphernalia was entrusted to the care of the elder and kept in storehouses that would have ledges where the Tadep figures were placed. Mambila Tatep’s body is very disproportional, the hairstyle consists of inserted wooden pegs, and the head has the classic heart-shaped face. The square shoulders and the slightly bent legs are typical of these Mambila figures and express the intensity and contained energy to be released throughout the rhythmically bent arms and legs. The gesture of hands to the chin in Mambila sculpture is also characteristic of Tadep figures. Carved features mark the face in relief, almond-shaped orbital cavities, oval mouth, projected ears and a high skull cap finished with wooden pegs. Metal pegs emphasize the contours of the face and the body: beautiful age and use patina.