Ritual object "anok" ·  Guinea, Baga · ID: 3037673

Description

wood, matt patina, black pigment remains, anthropomorphic head with a long beak rising from a conical base, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion;
important requisite of the “simo” secret society. In front of the “anok” and through him, the young initiate is prepared for his rights and duties as adequate member of the social community. During the closing ceremonies antelope horns, filled with magical substances, were stuck into the openings of the anok. After the circumcision the young man takes the horns and keeps them. The “anok” plays an important role at harvest rites and at funeral ceremonies for important clan members as well.

The object Ritual object “anok” with the object ID 3037673 was part of the auction 78th tribal art auction on October 18, 2014. The object with the lot number 140 achieved a sales price of EUR 550 with an asking price of EUR 400.

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Comparing literature

Segy, Ladislas, African sculpture speaks, New York 1961, p. 49, ill. 24 a