African Arts Gallery

Baga Mask (N° 14629) Deposit sale

Prodhomme African Art Collection.
Baga religious practices and African art. Mixed with Nalu and Landuman , Baga live along the coast of Guinea-Bissau in flooded swamp regions 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 . The fundamental ritual among the Baga and their neighbours is the initiation that takes place every twenty-four years. The initiation society is called after the invoked 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. Although the large Nimba mask has a very stylized head, this mask seems to be a version with a face with realistic feminine features. This is a woman's face, with a crest and braids, on a ringed neck over a bust with heavy breasts symbolizing fertility. It ends with an open panel for vision and two "legs" that allowed to carry the piece. The whole thing is decorated with engraved motifs representing the scarifications.
The face bears repeated rubbing imprints giving it a mahogany reflection. Smooth, brown patina, dotted with ocreted residue.
This national symbol can reach up to 50 kg in its largest versions. Real name Demba / D'mba (or Nimba in baga language), it represents the nurturing woman, but it also evokes the bird, especially the fertility of the calao thanks to its beak-shaped nose. Supposed to increase harvests, arouse pregnancies, it is exhibited at various ceremonies, celebrations and funerals, and its use continues at present during important festivities. The wearer of the mask is wrapped in raffia and conducts a dance clocked to the rhythm of drums. Source: U.0022Baga" D.Berliner