Keaka Figure, Southeastern Cross River Region, Nigeria
Wood, thick encrusted ritual patination
Height 17 3/4in (45cm)

Provenance
Martin Krohn Collection, Eckernförde
Sotheby's, Paris, 5 December 2007, Lot 47
Important Private Collection

According to Susan Vogel, Keaka 'is a Fulani name the Germans gave to the Mfumte, Mbem, and Mbaw (Ntem), a cluster of peoples living in scattered settlements just south of the Donga River. Though Paul Gebauer collected a number of figures in the 'Kaka' and Mambila area, it is hard to define clear regional styles--if they exist--on the basis of his documentation. Gebauer attributes to the Mfumte a figure that serves to localize one small group of highly abstract and dynamically conceived figures that bear some relationship to Mambila style. However, in the Mfumte area he also collected other figures in a style we would consider pure Mambila. [. . .]

Nothing like these figures was collected by Gebauer. They are all carved of medium-hard wood and have a thickly encrusted surface. Their flexed arms are held away from the body, their large, firmly planted feet extend as far behind the ankle as before (Arts d'Afrique Noire 1973, no. 7:2). Their most characteristic features are their upraised bearded chins and open, screaming mouths. Another peculiarity: all the figures known to me are males, and many carry babies on their backs.' (For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Tishman Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1981, p. 159)

Age distress line with slight separation to the right shoulder; minor distress lines around the pelvis; craqueleur to surface overall; minor white liquid stains to front torso and bottom right foot on top. Custom mount.