Ritual snake mask — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 288

Description

Exceptional heavy wooden snake sculpture, measuring 293 cm long and weighing nearly 50 kg, attributed to the Baga of Guinea. Unlike the Bansonyi snakes frequently observed coiled or carried horizontally during ritual dances, this piece presents an extremely rare vertical posture, suggesting a function as guardian or totemic element permanently installed, probably in front of a sacred hut or an initiatory altar. The base of the sculpture, carved for insertion into the ground, reinforces this hypothesis. The body of the snake is magnificently sinuous, entirely decorated with black and white geometric motifs typical of Baga aesthetics. Hollow circular traces at the level of the head indicate the former presence of metal discs, probably symbolic eyes that are now missing.

Technical details

Type of piece

Masque

Category

Masks

Ethnic group

Baga

Country

Mali

Materials

wood, pegment naturel

Dimensions

H 293 × W 30 × D 45 cm

Weight

50 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

288