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Nimba Dance Headdress with Carrying Yoke (Nimba)
Nimba Dance Headdress with Carrying Yoke (Nimba)

Nimba Dance Headdress with Carrying Yoke (Nimba)

Artist/Maker
Datelate 19th–early 20th century
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: 49 1/2 × 14 × 25 in. (125.7 × 35.6 × 63.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Gustave Schindler
Object number1958.175
Status
Not on view
More Information
Like the Wee people, the Baga people of Guinea express similar spirtual powers in elaborate dance headdresses. Representing Nimba, the goddess of fertility, this monumental headdress with carrying yoke was used during ceremonies linked to fertility and prosperity, such as harvest festivals. It was designed to rest on the dancer's shoulders and was covered with a raffia costume so that only the large breasts and head were visible. Small peepholes between the breasts allowed the dancer to see. Brass nails would originally have enhanced the carved geometric patterns that underscore the sculptural presence of this imposing mask.
Provenance(J. J. Klejman Gallery, New York); purchased 1956 by Gustave Schindler; by gift 1958 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH Exhibition History
The African Image
  • The Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH (February 1, 1959 - February 22, 1959 )
A Matter of Taste: The African Collection at the Allen Memorial Art Museum
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 2, 2002 - June 2, 2002 )
Selections from the Ralph T. Coe Collection of African Art
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (October 3, 2002 - December 10, 2002 )
Form and Function in West African Art: The African Collection at the Allen Memorial Art Museum
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (June 6, 2003 - December 21, 2003 )
From Africa to America
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (September 24, 2007 - July 29, 2008 )
Wildfire Test Pit
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (August 30, 2016 - June 12, 2016 )
Collections
  • African & Oceanic
The AMAM continually researches its collection and updates its records with new findings.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.