Protruding front dominating wide, incised eyelids, gridded nasal ridge, parallel shell hairstyle and oblong chin. These anatomical details form the stylistic variants of the African mask named Gela , Geh-Naw , of the Bassa ethnic group of Liberia. The matte patina has slight residue of kaolin. Break on the outline. The group Bassa of Liberia is established in the coastal region, particularly around Grand-Bassa. Its culture and artistic production have been influenced by the neighbouring Dan and Kpellé, of the manded language. The Bassa have societies of female and male initiation, including the chu-den-zo which gave birth to this type of sculptural work. The mask geh-naw, or gela , was worn on the dancer's forehead, attached to a wicker frame, accompanied by cloths concealing the wearer, and evolved into a graceful dance to mark the end of the initiation of young boys. Wearing this mask is now associated with the ceremonies of welcoming distinguished visitors. Sources: "African Masks", Ed. Adam biro, and "The Soul of Africa" S.Diakonoff
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