BAGA FIGURE Guinea Wood H: 130cm ***PLEASE NOTE THIS LOT IS NOT ON VIEW AT ST. STEPHEN'S GREEN. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION*** NOTE Nimba sculpture (known as D'mba in the Baga language) created by the Baga people of Guinea, is one of the rarest and most iconic forms of African art. The unique visual language, particularly the striking outline of the archetypal Nimba head seen in both the imposing shoulder masks and smaller statues, has been a significant source of inspiration for modern artists since the early 20th century. Notably, Pablo Picasso owned a pair of standing D'mba figures, which he acquired through Gertrude Stein. According to oral tradition, the Baga originally came from the mountainous region of Fouta Djallon in central Guinea. They were permanently displaced by the Fula people, who had converted to Islam in the 18th century. The Baga's migration and gradual resettlement occurred in successive waves since the 15th century, eventually bringing them to the coastal lagoons of southern Guinea-Bissau and western Guinea.