This statue was carved in the style of the Baga people of Guinea. The statue features a colorful snake attached to a custom base for easy display. Figures like this were actually worn as headdresses by the Baga people. The statue measures 66 inches tall, 69.5 inches including custom base, and weighs 20.5 pounds. There is damage to the bottom of the snake and wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos carefully. Contact us directly for a shipping quote.
Colorful Baga Snake Headdress 69.5″ – Guinea – African Art*
Original price was: $795.00.$636.00Current price is: $636.00.
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Type of Object | Figure, statue, Headdress |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Guinea |
Ethnicity | Baga |
Animal | |
Material | Wood, Pigment |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height | 66" figure | 69.5" including base |
Width | 8" |
Depth | 8" |
Weight | 20.5 lbs |
Overall Condition | Damage to base. Wear and tear throughout. |
Tribe Information |
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Tribe Information
About the Baga People
The Baga people live amid the southern swampy lands of the Guinea Atlantic coastline. According to oral tradition, they originally lived along the interior highlands but were driven westward by their neighbors. The name ‘Baga’ is believed to have come from the phrase ‘bae raka’, meaning “people of the seaside”.
Read more about the Baga here.
Additional Information
About the Serpent Headdress
Headdresses such as this are referred to as Bansonyi or a Mantsho-, a divine being based on the myth of the serpent spirit Ninkinanka. Ninkinanka is known as the spirit who gives rain, fertility and wealth. Anyone profiting from his aid will pay a hefty price. He is found as a youngster in the forest and as an adult in the swamps. The Baga believe he may manifest himself in many forms, including a rainbow since it marks waters.
The Baga and their cultural relatives feared the spiritual force from the Mantsho-ña-tshol. He is said to be more brightly colored and much larger than a typical boa. Dancing with such a headdress needed outstanding balance and strength. The performer would balance the headdress on top of their head while dancing and acutely moving about in a snake like fashion. Typically, the height of the headdress would vary anywhere up to 8 feet or more and would sometimes have eyes inset with glass. They were held on the shoulders of a dancer with the help of light framework and appeared in ceremonies in which clans of a quartier took part.
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