Baga Bansonyi snake masks

Three snake masks. Patina mate abrasive.

The decorated colorful pattern of the mask depicts a snake emblem of the beliefs of the Baga, Nalu and Landuma of the coast to the west of Guinea, named Bansonyi in the Sousou of Guinea Bissau. This mask symbolizes a spirit associated with nature of whom it is appropriate to devote a cults in order to benefit from its protection, fertility and prosperity.

The African serpentiform initiation group used mainly by Bulongic subgroup Baga on the Guinea coastline. These masks are divided into two groups the Mossolo Kombo and Sangaran, each with precise functions. Their design took shape  in  an esoteric context, at night in the  forest. Privileges of initiating men, embodying a spiritual entity, the Baga Sangaran attended only circumcision every 24 years.