A Bassa mask, Liberia, of delicate thin features, carved from one piece of dark wood in a oval shape, thin jaw line with a protruding half opened mouth, a thin pointed chin, closed eyes with heavy eyelids, slit open at the bottom, an elongated forehead that is bulging in a striated way, two small ears on both sides of the face, the rims of the mask are punctured with small and very delicate attachment holes; glossy by use, signs of use.

"The Bassa people inhabit the central coastal region of Liberia. They have several secret societies for both males and females, and some societies have socially important masking functions. The geh-naw mask is used by the Nor Society.  It is fixed to a wicker framework and worn on the forehead over a cloth and raffia costume during adult initiation ceremonies for boys. The dancer glides around to the beat of drums, seeing only through holes in the basketry sustaining the mask."

Source: Second Face Museum of Cultural Masks.

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Height: 24 cm
Weight: 800 g incl. stand