African Arts Gallery

Projecting forehead dominating broad lowered eyelids, incised, squared nasal bridge, hairstyle in parallel shells and curved chin. These anatomical details form the stylistic variants of the African mask named Gela , Geh-Naw , of the Bassa ethnic group from Liberia. Shiny black patina.
Liberia's Bassa group is based in the coastal region, more specifically around Grand-Bassa. Its culture and artistic production have been influenced by the neighboring Dan and Kpellé, of the Mande language. The Bassa have female and male initiation societies, including the chu-den-zo which gave birth to this type of sculptural work. The geh-naw mask, or gela , was worn on the dancer's forehead, fixed to a wicker frame, accompanied by fabrics concealing the wearer, and evolved into a graceful dance to mark the end of the initiation of the young boys. Wearing this mask is nowadays associated with welcoming ceremonies for distinguished visitors.