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Name |
BAGA NIMBA |
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Background / Origin |
BAGA, NIMBA Guinea |
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Description |
The powerful Simo secret society dominates the life of
the Baga and determines the masks and cult objects,
which are used at birth, circumcision, funerals,
weddings and agricultural ceremonies. The most important
of the Baga art forms is the great mask, or Nimba.It
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 out through
holes between the breasts. In use, such masks rise more
than 8 feet above the ground; they often weight more
than 80 pounds. Most show a standardized pattern of
facial scarification The Nimba is viewed as the vision
of woman at her most beautiful (has been fertile, given
birth to several children and brought them up to
adulthood). It appears annually at the time of planting
and harvesting rice. Strong men compete for the honour
of wearing the heavy wooden headdress. According to the
elders “Nimba gives strength; it also gives joy, love of
beauty, and respect for the customs of the Baga”.
Smaller Nimba masks are displayed in the homes of older
women in respect of their contribution of bearing many
children |
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Reference Number |
68/600 |
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Height |
-510mm |
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Price |
US$ 450 |
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