Altar - Wood - Etiol - Baga - Guinea - 70 cm

Etiol altar in two joined pieces, from the Baga of Guinea. The stand is a cube on which rests a long figure with a hornbill's beak, a woman's breasts, and a head with geometric patterns. This type of sculpture represents the Atshol spirit. This kind of sculpture decorated with geometric patterns and with a very complex structure is unique and specific to the art of the Baga. It is an altar that can receive libation offerings. Each clan in the Baga villages has one. Heavy, hard wood with a grey-brown patina from wear.