Bassa (Basa), Liberia

Geh-naw ceremonial mask. 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. The Bassa have several female and male societies. Their economy is based on rice which they cultivate around small villages with the population around two hundred. Bassa artistic tradition has been influenced by their northeastern neighbors, the Dan. With graceful, gliding dances the geh-naw masqueraders entertain the spectators when initiated boys return from bush camp, when important guests visit the village, and on other festive occasions. The dancer wears the mask, which is attached to a woven framework, on his forehead, and looks through the slit in the fabric, which is part of the costume that covers his head and upper body. Because the masks are fixed on a framework, the interior of most such masks shows no signs of wear.

Material: wood

Size: 12½”x7”x5½”