This is a remarkable Old Baga Snake "Bansony" Headdress which represents a spirit looks like a statue is from the tribal people of the Republic of Guinea. The iconic Baga serpent, was carved from a single length of wood.
Baga art is primarily produced for funerals, and for the initiation of young men, and many of these remarkable works are of truly monumental size and beauty, which include large, complex headdresses and tall snake carvings. This decorated snake s held on the shoulders of a dancer concealed beneath a raffia covering. This dressing is detailed with multi-sized bells, lavish colorful feathers and tribal cloths. The dancer moves rapidly among the cries of the on lookers, shaking and twirling around to create confusion, agitation and dramatic motion during the performance. The Bansonyi is involved in protecting male initiates at circumcision; it is used during droughts as well as appearing at funerals in groups as a male and female pair. It is thought that the Bansonyi itself symbolizes a reconciliation between the aquatic world and the jungle, between east and west or the two halves of the village. In Baga, frequent floods provided a hunting and breeding ground for large colonies of water snakes. Subsequently, the snake grew into something of a totemic animal among Baga peoples, connoting, simultaneously, notions of life and death, beginnings and endings. Baga snakes are hard to find, and this one was collected in the field and beautiful. It shows age, but overall it is in good condition. It would be magnificent addition to your collection or home. Museum Quality!

SNAKE CAN STAND UPRIGHT
STAND CAN BE ORDERED
69" tall
Body
3 1/2" deep at top
7" deep in middle
5" deep bottom
Head
9 1/2" wide
5" deep

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