Description: Old Baga Serpent Post Guinea Old authentic Baga wood serpent post from Guinea. Beautiful interesting curved structure to emulate serpent form. Aged black white design. Displayed on wood stand. With sinuous curves and reptilian form, this lwooden carving represents the Baga Snake, or Bansonyi, a protective spirit that presides over male initiation rites of the Baga people of Guinea, West Africa. Worn as a headdress, this sculptural figure is held on the shoulders of a dancer whose body is concealed beneath a costume of raffia, bells, and colorful feathers. Often donned by a pair of male and female performers, the figures celebrate the transition of boys into men and provide spiritual protection for all members of the community. We love the way the artist invoked the snake's undulating movements by giving the sculpture a slight, off-kilter sway. Baga Snake Bansonyi Sculpture Guinea This is a Baga protective serpent, known in the literature under various names: Bansonyi, A-mantsho-na-tshol, or Inap. The serpent here represented is said to be similar to the ferocious python whose spirit called Ninkinanka is involved in curing infertility and droughts, bringing prosperity, wealth, and rain. During the initiation of young boys, the serpent mask is involved in protecting boys at circumcision. In some sub-groups of Baga people, it appears during the initiation of young girls. It also appears at funerals. ***Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections and flaw : the head of the serpent has a split or crack by the middle and some punctures across the body. Still strong and beautiful patina. Please see pictures for details , They are part of the details *** DIMENSIONS 1.5”-3.25”ʺW × 1.5”D × 19ʺH STYLES: African Tribal ART SUBJECTS: Animals Abstract PERIOD: Mid 20th Century COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:Guinea ITEM TYPE: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned MATERIALS: Wood
Price: 119 USD
Location: Garfield, New Jersey
End Time: 2025-01-06T23:18:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Origin: Guinea
author: None
Color: Black, White And Brown
Material: Wood
Age Level: 20th Century
Item Length: 18”-19”
Maker: Baga Artisan
Type: Carving
Original/Reproduction: Original
Style: None
Tribe: Baga
Country of Origin: Guinea
Item Width: 1.5”-3.25”
