Lot 637

An monumental Baga Snake sculpture or Mantshol signifying "the master of medicine". The primary physical manifestation of a-Mant-Tshol is as this brilliantly coloured, larger-than-life aquatic serpent resembling a boa constrictor. The sinuous curves and undulating contours of the elegant sculptural representation evoke the power, elusive grace, and flexibility of this Baga spiritual entity. From base to summit, the broad vertical column rises, bends to one side, rises at an angle, and ascends again, culminating in a bold head, which features two round eyes. A chain of lozenges is incised and enhanced with applied colour up the length, the interstices in red and white pigments. See a similar one in the Metropolitan Museum with Accession Number: 1979.206.101 H 205 cm Swiss collection