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Description : wood, rest. (nose), labelled A-001 This type of colossal wooden headdress in the form of a female bust on four legs is widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding works of African art. D'mba is the Baga Sitemu name for the headdress normally called nimba in the literature. The Pukur name is yamban. D'mba is an abstraction of the ideal of the female role in Baga society. She is honored as the universal mother and is the vision of woman at the zenith of her power, beauty, and affective presence. D'mba's flat, pendant breasts are a symbol of motherhood and reveal the selfless dedication with which she has nursed numerous children to adulthood. Although d'mba is not a spiritual being in the Baga sense of the term, nor a deity, she is a being of undeniable spiritual power. The Baga conceive of D'mba as a servant of sorts inspiring young women with the strength to bear children and raise them to adulthood, inspiring young men to cooperative excellence in agriculture, and inspiring the ancestors to contribute toward the continuance of community well-being. During performances, the massive headdress is worn with a costume of raffia and cloth. In earlier times, d'mba mask dances were performed at least twice a year, at the time of planting and at harvest time. D'mba also appeared on festive occasions such as weddings, births and funerals and is said to have been danced in honor of special guests. AHDRC: 0055956 Continent: Africa

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