Montol
Female Figure for Komtin Society
Montol, Early-mid 20th century
Scroll
Montol
Female Figure for Komtin Society
Montol, Early-mid 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, 37.2 x 10.8 x 9 cm.
Credit Line
Gift of Barry and Toby T. Hecht, Bethesda, Maryland
Object Number
1998.473
Montol men who belong to Komtin, an association of healers, use sculpted figures to ascertain the causes of illness. Montol figures are characterized by a bold geometry of form that imbues a small figure with monumental presence. Artists in this region of northern Nigeria had great liberty that allowed individual styles to flourish. Thus, we do not have great insight into details such as why this figure is female; it may simply be due to the artist's preference.
