Baga Wood Nimba Figure: Passport Mask, Based

Part ram, part bird, all crest, and it appears to be walking.

Baga carvers of Guinea, West Africa, made this wood figure in the 20th century. The Baga are associated with large Nimba headdresses honoring fertility and motherhood, and the type is often described by its long, sweeping crest. This smaller head has a ridged, swept-back crest, a heavy brow and a long snout. Below it a narrow neck widens into a bust, then splits into two slender legs. The surface is brown, scuffed and dry. A black block holds it upright.

About eleven inches high. It faces the room like it has an opinion.