Tribal Art

Baga statue (N° 22996) Deposit sale

In the baga religion, except Kanu who is the creator, an important second spiritual entity is called Somtup , the male spirit at the head of the initiation society of men. The women's association is under the direction of a-Bol , Somtup's wife. Probably embodying this spirit to which sacrifices were periodically offered, this kneeling figurative sculpture, collected in Guinea-Bissau, embodies the concept of local beauty, sculpted with many details such as sophisticated braided hairstyle, necklaces and bracelets, young woman's breast. Very well preserved polychromy. Cracks and abrasions.
Mêlés aux Nalu and Landuman , the Baga live along the coasts of Guinea-Bissau in areas of swamps flooded six months a year. These Baga groups based on the coast and living from rice farming are made up of seven subgroups, including the Baga Kalum, Bulongic, Baga sitem, Baga Mandori, etc. 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. 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. In parallel with the extinction of male initiations since the 1950s, women's societies have organized danced ritual ceremonies in which possession and divination sessions are frequently held. These groups make use of caryatides.br sculptures, masks and drums.