Guinea
Baga
Wood, metal
Early-Mid 1900s
Length: 41 in, Width: 16 in, Depth: 18.5 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

This is a D’mba (Nimba – the Great Mother) shoulder headdress of the Baga people of the Republic of Guinea.  The Baga people migrated in the 14^th century from the upper Niger region along with several other groups who share linguistic similarities to their current location on the coast of Guinea. Late in the 19^th century, Guinea, like most of West Africa, was colonized by the French.  Nevertheless, Guinea gained their independence from France in 1958.  This was followed by a Marxist dictatorship 1958-1984.  Headdresses such as this were not danced, however since the 1990’s there has been a renewed interest and some of the old Baga traditions, such as dancing with these shoulder headdresses at births and at weddings where women’s fertility is celebrated again. 

This is clearly a female form, with hair style and breast, but was carved and worn by men.  The female figure is intended to help the entire community to see the importance of supporting motherhood and acknowledging the difficulties in giving birth and raising the children of the community.