A superb example of a ba' or baby carrier fashioned from rattan and wood, and then decorated with beaded panels, beads, cowrie and conus shells. This a complete and lovely example with a rare figurative design. The baby carrier serves as a conveyance and as a guardian of a child's soul against diseases or malevolent spirits. This is an old tradition that was observed in 1862 by Spenser St. John, who wrote seeing women of the upper classes "carrying rattan decorated with beautiful embroidery. When she left the house, she put the baby in his ba' and tied it to the back."

Condition: Excellent, commensurate with age & usage.

Provenance: Collected in field 1980’s