Mask "geh naw" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3032751
sold
EUR 1,600
Size
H: 21 cm
H: 8.3 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, hollowed facial plane, elaborate coiffure consisting of nine voluminous lobes, open mouth with six teeth, pierced around the rim, min. dam., minor missing parts, cracks;
the mask type “geh-naw” belongs to a secret society called “chu-den-zo”. It used to entertain the audience when the initiated boys returned from the bush camp or when distinguished guests came to visit the village. The dancer wore the mask on the forehead, looking through a gap within the cloth, veiling his head and the upper part of his body.