Baga Culture, Guinea
Baga Culture, Guinea
Altar statue of the spirit A-Tshol First half of the 20th century Carved brown wood with a warm patina, depicting an openwork head topped with a crest, extending into a long beak decorated with chevron patterns, resting on a cylindrical base H. 34 cm Provenance: > Former Lyon collection
Bibliography: > Native Auction, Brussels, January 24, 2015, lot 5, comparable model
Condition report: Signs of wear and oxidation Emblematic of Baga art, the A-tshol is used as an object of ‘medicine’ or protective power. It was brought out and displayed during initiation ceremonies, pre-harvest rites, or
funeral ceremonies to ward off spirits and protect the family or
community. In some cases, medicinal substances might be placed
in cavities within the head, after which the sculpture was placed on a pedestal where food and libations were offered.
Baga Culture, Guinea
Altar statue of the spirit A-Tshol First half of the 20th century Carved brown wood with a warm patina, depicting an openwork head topped with a crest, extending into a long beak decorated with chevron patterns, resting on a cylindrical base H. 34 cm Provenance: > Former Lyon collection
Bibliography: > Native Auction, Brussels, January 24, 2015, lot 5, comparable model
Condition report: Signs of wear and oxidation Emblematic of Baga art, the A-tshol is used as an object of ‘medicine’ or protective power. It was brought out and displayed during initiation ceremonies, pre-harvest rites, or
funeral ceremonies to ward off spirits and protect the family or
community. In some cases, medicinal substances might be placed
in cavities within the head, after which the sculpture was placed on a pedestal where food and libations were offered.
