Bijago (Bidjogo, Bidjugo, Bidyogo, Bissago), Guinea-Bissau

Ceremonial statue. The Bijago tribe (over 9,000 people) inhabits the Bissagos islands. The economy of the archipelago is based on the cultivation of rice, on palm oil, and on fishing. The society is highly structured by means of institutions such as the matrilineal clans, the council of elders, seven age classes and the priestess. The majority of the Bijago practice animism. The women play a major role in social life. This statue is possibly the image of the great spirit, the proprietor of the earth. It is prayed to before each agricultural activity or enterprise that concerns the community: initiations, the accession of a chief, or funerals.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 22”, W. 9”, D. 6”

Price: $230 + $26 (S&H)          [#J8B9S121]