Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 165
Nimba (D’mba) female statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 165
Description
Monumental female figure linked to the Baga of Guinea, following the canons of Nimba/D’mba: broad visor-like forehead, triangular face, long ringed neck, tabular shoulders and prominent conical breasts, crested hairstyle with chevrons. A work intended for the cult of fertility and the prosperity of harvests, connected to agrarian ceremonies and the Nimba community emblem. Maternal power, abundance and lineage protection, is emphasised by the enlarged ribcage and the neck of “rings of life”. Monoxyle wood with an old matte brown patina, coherent wear, earthy deposits; accidents and losses at the end of the crest, stabilised splits, formerly consolidated base. Engraved decoration of triangles and chevrons on the shoulder area and belt; large digitated feet ensuring stability.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Statue
- Category
- Statues
- Ethnic group
- Baga
- Country
- Guinée
- Materials
- wood
- Dimensions
- H 106 × W 25 × D 28 cm
- Weight
- 9,7 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Restoration / losses
- One foot restored
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 165