Tribal Art

Baga Statue (N° 24067)

Among the Baga, a spiritual entity is called Somtup, a male spirit at the head of the men's initiatory society. The women's association is under the direction of a-Bol, Somtup's wife. In relation to this spirit to which sacrifices were periodically offered, this female figure embodies the concept of local beauty, accentuating the braided hairstyle, the facial and body scarifications, bracelets and belt, roundness of the volumes. Glossy patina, losses and abrasions.
Mixed with the Nalu and the Landuman, the Baga live along the coasts of Guinea-Bissau in areas of swamps flooded six months a year. These Baga groups settled on the coast and living from rice growing are made up of seven sub-groups. After the abandonment of the rites following Islamization, colonization, or conversions to Christianity, the Baga today seek to revive their traditions by means of festive ceremonies using masks. Along with the extinction of male initiations since the 1950s, women's societies organize danced ritual ceremonies during which possession and divination sessions frequently take place. These groups make use of sculptures, masks and caryatid drums.