Baby carriers (Ba”) are typically made with rattan backings attached to a wood base and are often decorated with larger trade beads, brass bells, animal teeth, shells, and bead panels (“Aban”). These decorations are donated to the infant’s Ba from members of the extended family, thereby connecting them together and displaying wealth. The Aban serves as a talisman… with motifs meant to protect the “sacred bundle” from malevolent spiritual forces. Designs found on the Aban indicate social status, with motifs of full human figures, dragons, tigers, and hornbills reserved for the highest village aristocrats. Other figures and animals would be used by lesser aristocrats, and abstract motifs might be found on the baby carriers of wealthy commoners.” (Mark Johnson, 2004)
