Mask "geh naw" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3033454
not available anymore
Provenance
American Private Collection, CaliforniaFily Keita, Los Angeles, USA
Size
H: 20 cm
H: 7.9 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, hollowed facial plane with pointed chin, elaborate coiffure consisting of nine voluminous lobes, pierced around the rim, min. dam., minor missing parts, traces of abrasion, on base;
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.