Baga Bird

The Baga people believed birds to be powerful protectors of the harvest and wards against witchcraft. Every home featured one of these honored sculptures. The bird's posture, gaze, and hand-carved plumage exude a sense of strength and dignity. The artisan's use of curves and negative space evoke the egret's ability to transition from perfect stillness to incredible speed in mere moments. Capturing the spirit of revered animals is a trademark of the best traditional African woodcarvers.