TITLE: Baga Basonyi Mask
TYPE: crest mask
GENERAL REGION: Africa
COUNTRY: Rep. of Guinea
ETHNICITY: Baga
DESCRIPTION: Basonyi (snake spirit) mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
FUNCTION: Adult Initiation; Protection/Purification; Spirit Invocation; Secret Society
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: kaolin clay
The snake masks of the Baga people are used in pairs during adult initiation rituals for boys. The basonyi, also called kalimbe, represent male and female spirits that act as the protectors of young male initiates. They engage in a mock duel at the beginning of the ceremony to demonstrate their strength and protect the village. These masks are worn on the head, attached to a scaffolding, with the body of the dancer covered in palm leaves and cloth. The masks can sometimes reach 3 meters tall.
The Museum currently has no Basonyi mask in its collection.
