Name: Guinea Nimba Statue - Mattam
Brand: Bashiri
SKU: STAT-GH-FANTE-0007-1
Availability: InStock

Guinea Nimba Statue – Mattam

AU $1,100.00

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A powerful symbol of fertility and strength, the Nimba statue embodies the spirit of womanhood in Baga culture.
With its sweeping form and dignified presence, it represents abundance, protection, and the life-giving force of the earth.

Country of Origin……………Guinea
Culture………………………… Baga
Function………………………..Fertility
Dimensions……………………78 x 30 x 30cm

In stock

Description

The Nimba statue (also spelled D’mba, N’mbra, or Nimba) is one of the most iconic symbols of the Baga people of coastal Guinea, West Africa. It represents fertility, motherhood, and the spiritual power of women.

Cultural significance:

Symbol of fertility and motherhood: The Nimba is a representation of an ideal woman—strong, nurturing, and fertile. She is often shown with large breasts (to symbolize nourishment) and a dignified, composed face.
Guardian of harvest and community well-being: The statue is believed to bring abundance, prosperity, and protection to the community, particularly during times of planting and harvest.
Performance mask: The Nimba is not just a statue but a mask worn on the shoulders during important ceremonies. The performer, usually male, is covered in raffia and dances to honor fertility, agricultural success, and social harmony.
Spiritual power: The Nimba embodies both physical beauty and spiritual force, acting as a mediator between the earthly and spiritual worlds.

It’s a revered symbol in Guinean heritage and a striking example of how traditional art in West Africa is deeply intertwined with community life, spirituality, and ecology.