Nimba Mask

Nimba Mask, Baga people, Guinea, West Africa. Early 20th century.

Carved from fine grained wood, this statue has the facial characteristics and long pendulous breasts typical of Nimba figures. It features wear and and an excellent patina commensurate with its age, particularly around the body where it has been most handled. 

Attracts good fortune to the home.

Also called the D'mba Mask or Shoulder Helmet Mask, these represent female energy, fertility and the concept or idea of good and joyous living rather than the embodiment of a particular spirit or goddess. The Nimba is also a protector of pregnant women, and presides over all agricultural ceremonies. One of the few masks actually worn by women in Africa, large masks are worn supported by the shoulders over the head (hence the name shoulder mask) with long rafia shawls, while smaller masks like this one are placed in shrines to attract fertility, abundant harvests and success in the home.

Measurements: Height 27 cm, depth 17 cm, width at widest point 14 cm.