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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Bassa : Bassa Wooden Gela Face Mask
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Bassa Wooden Gela Face Mask - PF.5935
Origin: Liberia
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
8" (20.3cm) high
x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
$2,400.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Bassa territory lies in the middle of the modern
nation of Liberia. Their economy is based on rice
that they cultivate around small villages, each
possessing a population of around two hundred
people. Bassa artistic tradition has been heavily
influenced by their northeastern neighbors, the
Dan, who live along the border of the Ivory Coast
and Liberia. Bassa carvers are famous for the
Gela masks worn during the No men’s society
ceremonies when the wearer of the mask moves
with feminine grace and elegance. This mask
displays a characteristic two-planed face with a
protruding mouth replete with carved teeth and
semi-closed eyes. Dancers wear them during
entertainment ceremonies related to visits of
foreign dignitaries and at the end of a boy’s
initiation rite. Originally, in its ceremonial
context, this mask would have been completed
by a cloth or raffia covering that would have
further disguised the identity of the dancer. The
cloth or raffia fibers would have been wound
through the perforated holes that dot the edges
of the mask. Overall, the smoothly polished and
finely finished surface of this mask is indicative
of the highest quality artistry for both the Dan
people and the Bassa they so influenced.
- (PF.5935)
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