This is the rating and price for Nimba D'Mba Shoulder Headdress Baga, Early to Mid 20th Ce

Description : Certificate of Authenticity available! Additional Information: This impressive and superb wooden shoulder mask comes from the Baga people. , This is a classical example that displays many traditional components such as the spherical head, the plaited hair with medial crest, a large noses and pendulous breasts which hang close to the body, , its four legs, and geometric patterns decorating the hairstyle and the breast . This mask depicts a bust of a woman on four legs. Such mask is known as a D'mba headdress, that is by far the most well known Baga work of art. Its use was documented as early as 1886. , It represents an older woman who has given selflessly, and also represents community. It is worn on the head with a costume of raffia and cloth. The Nimba masks, often monumental works carried on the shoulders, rank among the largest of all ritual objects in West Africa. Their use, as hinted at above, is rather ubiquitous. They are used at funerals, harvest festivals, and at initiations. Normally these masks have four legs or posts (for placement on the shoulders), The carving would then be provided with a colorful and elaborate costume prior to use. Our mask is a powerful sculpture and work of a skilled artist. The surface shows traces of long use. Despite crack damage this is example remains delightful piece that would hold a prominent place in any collection of African Art. The Baga people, a small group of 45,000, live along the coast of Guinea. ,The Baga moved to their current location as early as the 14thC. Their art is often quite abstract and spectacular, and is eagerly sought by collectors and ,revolves around nature, the harvest and the veneration of feminine beauty. All of these vital social and spiritually important elements are combined in the D'mba, or Nimba. Prescott has said: Nimba is the joy of living, it is the promise of abundant harvest in the entire Bagata. For comparative examples see Lamp's ART OF THE BAGA. Recommended Reading: Kerchache's ART OF AFRICA, Lamp's ART OF THE BAGA. I have examined this piece and agree with the description. Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.
Price: 0.00 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 5000 USD-6500 USD It's free to register now to view!

Details