Sitting figure "iran" · Guinea-Bissau, Bidjogo · ID: 3035075
Michel Gaud, Saint Tropez, France
Description
wood, middle brown patina, compact upper part of the body, the breadth of the shoulders accentuated by diagonal arranged zigzag-tattoos and central diamond-shaped emblem, the main accent lying on the large head, the leg zone neglected, rep. (right shoulder), slightly dam. (mouth, nose, breasts), minor missing parts, cracks, block-like socle;
for the Bidyogo everything sacred bares the Creole name “iran”, and causes awe and respect among the people. The big spirit as master of the earth is called upon before every agronomic project is started, as well as for all attempts concerning the community, like initiation, enthronement of a chief or funeral festivities. When the deity is depicted anthropomorphic, he is shown seated, with the hands resting on the curved rims of the seat, as is the case with the present figure.