Baga Brid long Beak Papa New Guinea African Mask Ivory Coast 1970’s

Description

This large original mid-late 20th century carving is striking example of the known bird form from the Baga people.  The form is that of a hornbill bird which is associated with benevolent spirits across several African cultures.  The beak is long and downward facing.  The eyes are raised and oval shaped.   Very good condition consistent w/ age and use.
Dimensions: 6"W x 17"L
The Baga are a small West African ethnic group living in a coastal area of swamps and inland waterways in Guinea bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The term Baga identifies not only a people or an area but also equally identifies shared cultural traditions and art forms with neighboring Nalu and Landuma and the dominant Susu people. Sculpture from the Baga people along the Atlantic seaboard has been known and documented for an extended period of time as early as the middle of the nineteenth century. Baga art traditions have developed over a long period of time and continue today despite religious conflicts with the numerous conversions to Islam and resulting pressures upon traditional figurative sculpture.