Baga crest, Guinea - Lot 88

Lot n° 88
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Estimation :
1000 - 1200 EUR
Baga crest, Guinea - Lot 88
Baga crest, Guinea Wood, pigments. H. 22.5 cm Provenance : Galerie Kanaga (Mangin), according to oral information from the current owner. Known as Koni, crests surmounted by stylized birds, positioned on an oval base, were danced during post-initiatory rituals dedicated to young boys. Signifying the transition of their status within society, they indicated their new role as adult men and future husbands (F.Lamp: Art of the Baga, New York, 1996.). The bird, a key iconographic element in African art, is in many countries associated with the symbolism of fertility: the plunging beak, an undisputed attribute of masculinity, leaning and curving over and towards a rounded belly, in reference to fertility. The originality of this piece lies in its duality. Within the classical corpus, these crests are best appreciated in the presence of a bird. Here, they are a couple, a singular gemellity. The features and treatment of the similar bodies give the whole a repetition of gait, posture and movement, subtly giving rhythm to the crest intended for dancing. The meticulous treatment of the body elements can be appreciated in the delicacy and precision of the contours, complemented by a skilfully ordered play of polychromy, alternating between black, yellow and red. The roundness of the curves, the belly and the sophisticated headdresses made of fine, wavy incised engravings are contrasted with the strict linearity of the semi-flexed legs. A thematic rarity, the bird holds a fish in its beak. This type of crest was also used by various sub-groups related to the Bagas.
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