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Nimba (or D’mba) (Shoulder helmet mask) c.2005

Wood | 41.0 x 14.0 x 18.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 95893

Grand Vestibule, Windsor Castle

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  • A carved wooden model headdress or Nimba, of the d'mba form found among the Baga people of Guinea.

    In the form of a stylised female, with four slender legs, pendulous breasts and an enlarged head with a long pointed nose and protruding chin.

    Headdresses of this type were worn over the shoulders by a dancer during wedding and harvest celebrations. The heavy masks obscured the dancer's face, and were accompanied by a large raffia costume. The stylised female form represents motherhood and femininity, the pendant breasts indicating the nursing of many children.

    This is a reduced size version of a Nimba mask. The figure is a mature woman but she is used in ceremonies relating to agricultural fertility rather than human fertility.
    Provenance

    Given to Queen Elizabeth II by Paul Goa Zoumanigui, the Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea, during an Audience on the presentation of his Letter of Credence, 11 March 2014.

  • Medium and techniques

    Wood

    Measurements

    41.0 x 14.0 x 18.0 cm (whole object)

  • Category
  • Alternative title(s)

    Nimba

    Headdress


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