MAMBILLA TADEP FIGURES

Mambilla Tadep are wooden anthropomorphic figures. Common attributes among all tadep figures are the circular eyes, the almond shape head decorated with small wooden pegs, the elongated nose connected to the eyebrows, squat legs with the feet apart, and the hands in front of the body.

The main purposes of tadep figures are to honor ancestors of the Mambila people. When creating the tadep the carver will only use one piece of soft wood. All tadep forms are of humans because they are created to honor and recognize ancestors.

The Tadep is kept in a granary-like storehouse because it is believed to embody an ancestor responsible for the clan’s wealth. It is always involved in rituals aimed at proffering solutions to ailments, infertility and protection.

The Mambilla people are a minority ethnic group in the Northeastern part of Nigeria and the Northwestern part of Cameroon. 

Condition

Minor wood loss to head pegs. Very good. Mounted on walnut plinths