|
Nimba is the baga goddess of fertility. Today, the Baga people, 60,000 in total, occupy the northern coast of Guinea and the southern coast of Guinea-Bissau.This massive mask is worn on the shoulders by the baga dancers and can weight as much as 140 lbs. It was associated both with human procreation and with the fertility of fields. She appears at wedding, funerals and at times of planting and harvesting.Nimba gives particular protection to baga mother. Pendant breast identify her as mature woman who has given birth to many children and has murtured then to adulthood.The Nimba mask and dancer are accompanied by men carrying drums, and women singing, throwing rice, and waving fans. |
External links
http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/studentwork/matricardi/section3.html
http://www.randafricanart.com/Baga_male_Nimba.html
http://www.hamillgallery.com/BAGA/BagaNimbas/BagaNimbas.html