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Monumental African Baga Bansonyi Wood Serpent Snake Sculpture on Stand

About the Item

A monumental, very tall, quite engaging African Bansonyi serpent snake sculpture/ headdress/ mask by the Baga people who reside along the coast of Guinea Bissau. The Baga snake sculpture/headdress such as this one first appeared in the West during the 1950s as a result of the Baga people's conversion to Islam (Baga people are reviving their culture today) and consequent western dealers being then allowed to export Baga artifacts. The figure embodies the spirit A-Mantsho-nga-Tshol who is often represented as a snake. These polychrome wood-carved figures can be up to 102" (260 cm) tall. They are held on the shoulders of dancers with help of a light framework and appeared in various ceremonial and ritual performances. The piece is from a rather impressive and extensive African art and artifacts private collection. We believe it dates back to the early to Mid-1900s but could be older. The headdress/ sculpture has a wonderful encrusted patina and naturally aged organic texture. Would clearly be a great addition and clearly stand out in any African artifacts collection or be a great eye-catching Stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Dimensions (with heavy custom Stand): 92" High, 11.5" Wide, 7.25" Deep.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 92 in (233.68 cm)Width: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early to Mid-1900s
  • Condition:
    In very good vintage condition with natural organic wear and loss consistent with age and use (please see photos). A wonderful and quite breathtaking piece overall.
  • Seller Location:
    Studio City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2254333177902

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