Tribal Art

Baga Mask (N° 17865)

Reduced version of the large shoulder mask it features a classic decoration of upholstery nails highlighting the reliefs of the sculpture. This type of mask wandered on a pole, the porters hidden under raffia fibers or under fabrics. Beautiful patina of use.
Mêlés aux Nalu and Landuman , the Baga live along the coasts of Guinea-Bissau in areas of swamps flooded six months a year. They believe in a creative god called Nagu, Naku, which they do not represent, and which is accompanied by a male spirit whose name is Somtup. Apart from the famous Nimba mask, they have created a powerful mask, hybrid snake, gazelle, chameleon and crocodile, with the aim of communicating with the spirits of the forest. The face of the Baga Nimba mask is characterized by a buzzed nose evoking a bird's beak, an incised hair that divides a ridge. This national symbol can reach up to 50 kg in its larger versions. His real name Issan /D'mba (or Nimba in the baga language), he represents the nurturing woman, but he also evokes the bird, especially the fertility of the calao thanks to its beak-shaped nose. Supposed to increase harvests, to encourage pregnancies, it is exhibited at various ceremonies, parties and funerals, and its use currently continues during important festivities. The wearer of the mask is wrapped in raffia and leads a dance timed to the rhythm of drums. The basic ritual, among the Baga and their neighbours, consists of the initiation that takes place every twenty-four years. The initiation society is called the name of the summoned spirit, or to-lom (sacred). After the abandonment of rites following Islamization, colonization, or conversions to Christianity, the Baga now seek to revive their traditions through festive ceremonies using masks. Source: Baga D.Berliner. Beautiful patina of use.
Mêlés aux Nalu and Landuman , the Baga live along the coasts of Guinea-Bissau in areas of swamps flooded six months a year. They believe in a creative god called Nagu, Naku, which they do not represent, and which is accompanied by a male spirit whose name is Somtup. Apart from the famous Nimba mask, they have created a powerful mask, hybrid snake, gazelle, chameleon and crocodile, with the aim of communicating with the spirits of the forest. The face of the Baga Nimba mask is characterized by a buzzed nose evoking a bird's beak, an incised hair that divides a ridge. This national symbol can reach up to 50 kg in its larger versions. His real name Issan /D'mba (or Nimba in the baga language), he represents the nurturing woman, but he also evokes the bird, especially the fertility of the calao thanks to its beak-shaped nose. Supposed to increase harvests, to encourage pregnancies, it is exhibited at various ceremonies, parties and funerals, and its use currently continues during important festivities. The wearer of the mask is wrapped in raffia and leads a dance timed to the rhythm of drums. The basic ritual, among the Baga and their neighbours, consists of the initiation that takes place every twenty-four years. The initiation society is called the name of the summoned spirit, or to-lom (sacred). After the abandonment of rites following Islamization, colonization, or conversions to Christianity, the Baga now seek to revive their traditions through festive ceremonies using masks. Source: Baga D.Berliner