Anthropo-zoomorphic altar statue, A-Tshol Baga — Baga, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. xx6

Description

This altar statue, known as A-Tshol in Baga culture, is a highly symbolic ritual object incorporating anthropomorphic and zoomorphic elements. Used in religious and social ceremonies, it embodies a protective and spiritual force intended to ensure the prosperity, fertility and protection of the community. A-Tshol objects are objects of veneration placed on altars to attract the blessings of ancestors and spirits, especially in contexts of protection and abundance.
The Baga, an ethnic group living along the coast of Guinea, have a rich spiritual tradition marked by powerful and expressive sculptures such as A-Tshol statues. These sculptures, often impressive in size and complexity, are created for family or community altars. They represent a divinity or tutelary spirit acting as a mediator between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. The A-Tshol cult is central in Baga religion, and its statues are invested with supernatural powers believed to protect the village, bring healing and regulate social order.
The statue, majestic and imposing, is made of carved wood with a circular base decorated with engraved motifs. These motifs, made of wavy lines and interlaced diamonds, symbolise the flow of life and the connection between the different elements of the universe.
It combines human and animal elements. The massive body is topped by a head with an elongated beak incorporating crocodile teeth, evoking strength and invincibility. This toothed beak, with its detailed elements, symbolises ferocity and power, qualities associated with protective spirits capable of repelling harmful forces.
A pelican is carved at the top of the head, looking forward. In Baga culture, the pelican represents wisdom and spiritual elevation, serving as a guide between worlds. Placed at the top of the statue, it acts as a spiritual bridge, facilitating communication between the earthly world and the spirit world. The choice of the pelican, a bird often associated with generosity and protection, reinforces the role of the statue as a benevolent protector of the community.
The surface of the mask presents engravings and circular perforations. These motifs, beyond their aesthetic function, may represent openings allowing spiritual energies to pass through. The crests along the head and beak recall the scales of a crocodile, further reinforcing the symbolism of protection and intimidation toward spiritual enemies.
The A-Tshol statue is an object of power, protection and blessing. The crocodile symbolises brute strength and defensive capacity, a direct reference to the fierce nature of this respected and feared aquatic animal. The crocodile teeth add an additional dimension of danger and intimidation, deterring evil spirits and harmful influences.
The pelican, by contrast, represents wisdom, spiritual elevation and clairvoyance. Its position at the top of the head embodies spiritual guidance and the aspiration toward peace and prosperity. The pelican also plays the role of benevolent protector, complementing the fiercer nature of the crocodile with spiritual protection and divine wisdom.
This duality between crocodile and pelican, between earthly ferocity and celestial wisdom, reflects the complexity of the Baga spiritual world. The statue symbolises a balance between different protective forces acting on several levels: the material level, to repel physical enemies, and the spiritual level, to guide and bless the community.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statue

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Baga

Country

Guinée

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 156 × W 26 × D 112 cm

Weight

17,2 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

xx6