Baga a-Bamp Bird Headdress with Canoe

c. 1950
$2,380 USD
Make an Offer
Dimensions
W: 11.75" D: 18.0" H: 43.25"
Materials
Pigment
Wood
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CAA1231
Estimated Shipping
$250

This graceful sculpture of a long-necked bird is a headdress known as "a-Bamp," worn during ritual masquerades of Baga adolescents in Guinea. With strong themes of defiance, these masquerades were not rituals of initiation, but rather served to unite Baga youths and counterpoint the authority of community elders. Likely carved to resemble stalking waterfowl such as the Goliath heron, the bird's posture, gaze, and painted plumage exude a sense of strength and dignity. Topping the bird's head is an ornament of three petite houses upon a boat, perhaps symbolizing the youth's ambitions for the future.

Questions? Ask us

What They're Saying

Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

Receive our weekly email on design &
creating memorable spaces