Baga (Bagga), Guinea & Guinea-Bissau

Knelt Female Figure. Today, the Baga people occupy the northern coast of Guinea and the southern coast of Guinea-Bissau. They live in the marshy area flooded six months of the year, during which time the only way to get around is by a dugout canoe. They live in villages traditionally headed by the eldest members of each clan. The men fish and grow cola nuts; the women grow rice. Spiritually, they believe in a single god, known as Kanu, assisted by a male and female spirits. The only fundamental ritual is initiation. The female form, so important in Baga art, manifests itself in various carvings, in particular in this figure from the southern Baga. This kneeling figure of rather naturalistic form with long straight nose represents an initiated woman. Female figures of this type were used by many of the adult women’s organizations.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 32”, W. 9”, D. 9½”

Price: $295+$55 (S&H)                                  [G6B9S699]