Bassa (Basa), Liberia

Dog figure. The Bassa territory lies in the middle of present-day Liberia. Their economy is based on rice which they cultivate around small villages with the population around two hundred. Like other neighboring tribes, the Bassa have several male and female societies. Bassa artistic tradition has been strongly influenced by their north-eastern Mande-speaking neighbors, mostly the Dan. Figures of dogs carved with human head and faces on the sides are well known, although the purpose of the dog statue remains unknown. This dog figure strikes by its original design and its rather primitive beauty.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 9½”, L. 8”, W. 29”