NIMBA FIGURE

Sold!! This piece came into my possession in the early 1990's. It is a "Nimba" Figure from Guinea, Africa and was purchased from the Lou Allen Collection in Palo Alto, Ca. It has been one of my favorite pieces ever since. It is 54" in height. Value:$2300

The D'mba (or Nimba) headdress is by far the most well known Baga work of art. It is a bust of a woman on four legs, and is worn on the head with a costume of raffia and cloth. It represents an older woman who has given selflessly, and also represents community. Its use was documented as early as 1886.

The Baga people, a small group of 45,000, live along the coast of Guinea Bissau on the African continent. The art of the Baga of coastal Guinea revolves around nature, the harvest and the veneration of feminine beauty. All of these vital social and spiritually important elements are combined in the D'mba, or "nimba."

" Nimba is the joy of living; it is the promise of abundant harvest in the entire Bagata." The Nimba masks, often monumental works carried on the shoulders, rank among the largest of all ritual objects in West Africa. They are used at funerals, harvest festivals, and at initiations. Normally these "masks" have four legs or posts(for placement on the shoulders), and feature large noses and pendulous breasts, which hang close to the body. The carving would then be provided with a colorful and elaborate costume prior to use. It is a finely carved and impressive piece.