Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 299

Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299

Photo 1 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 2 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 3 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 4 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 5 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 6 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 7 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 8 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 9 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
Photo 10 — Hornbill bird statue — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 299
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Description

This imposing zoomorphic statue comes from the Baga people of Guinea, recognised for their large ritual sculptures with strong symbolic significance.
It represents a stylised sacred bird, probably a ground hornbill, with an arched silhouette and curved beak, surmounting a circular base. These statues are used within the Simo initiatory cult or for protective rites linked to soil fertility and the transmission of wisdom.
The body is decorated with red, white and black geometric motifs, made with traditional mineral pigments. The massive form of the torso, the stylised crest and the lateral wings underline its sacred character. The piece is carved from dense wood and is in good condition.

Technical details

Type of piece
Statue
Category
Statues
Ethnic group
Baga
Country
Guinée
Materials
wood, natural pigment
Dimensions
H 87 × W 27 × D 35 cm
Weight
13,6 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Restoration / losses
Restored
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
299