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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