Nimba (Baga), Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau

Occupying the northern Guinea and south of Guinea-Bisssau, a town of Boke, the Baga people number about 65,000.  They believe in “Kanu”, their spiritual god.

They carve many types of masks, sculptures, birds and other objects.  Best known of these objects is the Nimba mask, also known as Baga Mask.  It is usually large and adorned with raffia fiber, so that the face and body of the wearer is disguised.  It is usually worn over the shoulders.  Women of the Simo Secret Society who want to have children invoke this mask as the Mother of Fertility using it at the First-Fruit of rituals.

Material:  Wood, metal studs
Size: H:  36”
W:  17 “
D:  16 “

Note:  This mask shows some cracks, wear and tear due to age and usage.