A Baga large Nimba shoulder mask

A Baga large Nimba shoulder mask, Guinea, with crested coiffure, scarifications, with eye holes between the breasts, on four supports, 116cm high.

Provenance:

Ex collection Monika Wengraf.

The Baga Nimba mask represents the mother of fertility, protector of pregnant women, and presides over all agricultural ceremonies. The dancer, wearing a full raffia costume, carries the mask on his shoulders, looking through the holes between the breasts.