Mumuye people

They constitute the largest tribal group in Taraba State of Nigeria and form the predominant tribes found in Zing, Yorro, Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, Gassol, Bali and Gashaka, all of which are local government areas of the state.The Benue River Valley has been overlooked because of its complexities and innumerable cultures occupying the area.In fact, some Mumuye sculpture was wrongly attributed to the neighboring Chamba people, because of how prevalent the figure is.[8]: 259 These figures typical of the Benue River Valley can represent chiefs, ancestors, or heroes.[7]: 87 Smaller figures are used for personal protection; these are typically made of clay and thought to bring good luck and success.[6]: 270 Other Mumuye scarification includes three horizontal rows of cuts that divide the face into thirds.[5]: 284 The Iagalagana is a figurative sculpture that is used for divination, powers for bestowing good luck and warding off evil, and for its ability to make rain.The Mumuye people have a rich artistic tradition, much of which is figurative and linked to their religious practices.[11]: 61 They have also been considered to greet people into the rainmaker's hut, guard homes, act as judges within trials, and as confidants.The variation shows the artistic tradition that illuminates the human form in interesting and innovative ways.[8]: 228 Mumuye sculpture was acquired at the apex of the Biafran war, when the border control was at its weakest.