Shop a rare 32″ vintage Baga Nimba shoulder headdress statue from Guinea. Large hand-carved wood D’mba fertility goddess featuring a high crest & rich patina. Buy now!
Oversized 32″ Vintage Baga Nimba D’mba Shoulder Headdress – Guinea
$650.00
Description
Command center stage in your gallery collection with this monumental 32-inch (81 cm) vintage hand-carved wood Nimba (D’mba) shoulder headdress, masterfully crafted by the Baga people of coastal Guinea.
Revered in West African art history as the universal mother of fertility, growth, and maternal joy, the Nimba is one of the most iconic and influential African art forms—famously serving as a primary muse for Pablo Picasso’s modernist sculptures. Traditionally worn directly over the shoulders of a masquerader during rice harvest festivals and ancestral weddings, this large-scale carving features a magnificent profile head dominated by a sweeping vertical crest and an elegant, hook-shaped nose.
The heavy, cantilevered breasts and temples are meticulously detailed with traditional geometric scarification lines and accent metal studs. The lower torso arches beautifully into four substantial leg supports that form a solid freestanding base. Clothed in a gorgeous, naturally dry grey-brown vintage patina, this 2.6-foot sculpture stands as a true museum-quality centerpiece.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Shipping & Handling Particulars
Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 24-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.
Care & Preservation Guidelines
To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Lobi piece, please observe the following care instructions:
- Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
- Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
- Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.
Additional information
| Region | |
|---|---|
| Culture | Lobi People |
| Origin | Burkina Faso, West Africa |
| Estimated Period | Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s) |
| Material | Carved Hardwood, Animal Horn, Glass Trade Beads, Leather, Fiber Cord |
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition. Wood shows beautiful natural aging and minor stable cracks consistent with genuine ritual use. All mixed-media attachments are structurally intact. |
Related products
-
$895.00Discover a rare 24″ vintage Lobi Bateba figure from Burkina Faso. Features authentic animal horn charms, glass trade beads, & rich patina. Shop tribal art now!
-
$2,500.00Discover a rare 24″ vintage Lobi Bateba figure from Burkina Faso. Features authentic animal horn charms, glass trade beads, & rich patina. Shop tribal art now!
-
$295.00Shop a rare 17″ vintage Dan ceremonial feast spoon (Wakemia) from Liberia. Hand-carved wood spoon featuring an anthropomorphic head handle and rich honey patina. Buy now!
-
$595.00Shop a rare 27″ vintage Senufo Poropianong hornbill bird statue from Côte d’Ivoire. Large hand-carved mother bird with 4 fledglings and a rich painted patina. Buy now!
