Ethnographic African Nimba 'Joy of Living' Shoulder Mask Headdress Guinea

Description

Decorative Guinea Tribal African Headdress, circa 1950s. The D'mba or Nimba headdress is by far the most well known Baga … more Decorative Guinea Tribal African Headdress, circa 1950s. The D'mba or Nimba headdress is by far the most well known Baga work of art. It is a bust of a woman on four legs and is worn on the head with a costume of raffia and cloth. It represents an older woman who has given selflessly and also represents Community. Its use was documented as early as 1886. There are many traditional components: sculpted hair, medial crest, flattened breasts, zigzag patterns. The Baga people, a small group of 45,000, live along the coast of Guinea. The art of the Baga of coastal Guinea revolves around nature, the harvest and the veneration of feminine beauty. All of these vital social and spiritually important elements are combined in the "Nimba." Prescott has said:" Nimba is the joy of living; it is the promise of abundant harvest in the entire Bagata." 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), and feature large noses and pendulous breasts, which hang close to the body. The carving would then be provided with a colorful and elaborate costume prior to use. Our mask is quite unique, having Primitive characteristic Nimba features, It is nicely carved-fair to good condition as can be desired attesting to its age and extensive use---great aged patina contributing to the beauty of Tribal Art--and making for a exciting decorative piece. 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 14th century. 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." From the Edith Hale Harkness Estate acquired in the 1960s. less