The serpent, Kakilambe, is a protective spirit that presides over young men's initiation camps. It appears in the village on ritual days and to announce the return of the boys as men. Most versions, even the very large ones, were worn as headdresses (see image below).
We recommmend Art of The Baga: A Drama of Cultural Reinvention by Frederick Lamp (Museum for African Art/Prestel)
Baga Nimba, Baga Serpent and Baga/Nalu Banda headdresses
at Art Institute of Chicago.
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MJM02172017