African Tribal Art: Baga People, Guinea, West Africa: Helmet mask with a snake. Late 19th Century, Carved wood and pigments, mounted on a custom-made steel stand.

The serpent (Kalimbe, or Bansonyi) refers to a protective spirit manifested in the form of a snake that presides over male initiation ceremonies in the Baga culture.

Many helmet-style masks feature holes along the lower rim, by which whey are attached to a costume. This mask, without holes, shows wear from being held above the head by hand.

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Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York

Dimensions: 43"H x 41.5"L w/stand; Mask is 10.5"H x 7"Wx 41.5"L Good, aged condition, with signs of wear and use.

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