A very finely carved wood avian form shrine sculpture with incised and openwork designs. The birds head and the base are carved from two seperate pieces and detach. Among the Baga elekel shrines created to worship Kanu and lineage ancestors are stored in the family homes of villagers in an effort to appease ancestors and as a centre for sacrificial offerings in exchange for protection against evil spirits and witchcraft. A basket is used to house the assembled shrine objects. During the rainy season, an Anok (meaning 'medicine') head, believed to be a physical representation of Kanu, sits on top of the basket.The dry harvest season heralds in ceremonies, community festivities and male initiations during which Anok heads are taken out and danced. Anok heads are also used during the funerals of lineage heads and other important community leaders.Baga peoples, Guinea, Africa. This Anok head measures 28 inches long. Provenance: Dr Brian Healy estate, NY.

Fair, weathered and small areas of erosion.