Mask – Wood – Bassa – Sierra Leone

The Bassa, neighbors to the south-west of the Dan, have been influenced artistically by them. They make masks characterized by a two planed face with semi-closed eyes and a protruding mouth. Masks like these, called Gela, would have been worn by Bassa dancers during the No men’s society entertainment ceremonies.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherladns