Description
2.1m Baga Nimba Statue Female
The most important of the Baga art forms is the great mask, D’mba or Nimba
It represents the mother of fertility, protector of pregnant women, and presides over all agricultural ceremonies. The dancer, wearing a full raffia costume, carries the mask on his shoulders, looking out through holes between the breasts. In use, such masks rise more
than eight feet above the ground; they often weigh more than eighty pounds. Most show a standardized pattern of facial scarification.
“Nimba is the joy of living; it is the promise of the abundant harvest”
The Baga Nimba, or D’mba, represents the abstraction of an idea of the female role in society. The Nimba is essentially viewed as the vision of woman at her zenith of power, beauty, and affective presence; rather than a goddess or spirit.
The typical Nimba form illustrates a woman that has been fertile, given birth to several children, and nurtured them to adulthood.
Typically, the Baga Nimba’s hair is braided into parallel rows (represented by the scarification on the head) which are similar to the patterns of agriculture grown in West African fields.
The face, and breasts of the Baga Nimba are decorated with scarification,
which embodies the ability of the Baga Nimba to alter its condition to the natural environment. Nimba’s presence is exemplified in all aspects if Baga life for she is present publicly at weddings to give direction to the new union; at funerals to initiate the dead; harvest to celebrate productivity; and planting to inspire her people to continue to complete difficult tasks. Ultimately, Nimba is a reminder of the revered qualities which
make up the Baga social system.
Nimba masks are now sold and auctioned around the world,
for thousands of dollars due to the delicacy needed when being transported.
They are a part of numerous art museum’s showings and permanent
collections and personal collectors.
In 2019 the Art Institute of Chicago opened a newly renovated African Art exhibit including a D’mba mask.
Some critics say that after traveling to Africa artist Pablo Picasso
drew inspiration from the D’mba mask in some of his sculptures.
Much was to be learned about this art of the Baga people in
the western world and after Frederick Lamp’s publication of Art of the Baga People 1996 progression was made.Â
