Mask "geh-naw" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3035889
Duke University, Durham, USA
Bonhams, New York, November 9, 2011, lot 279
Description
wood, partly encrusted dark brown patina, handwritten collection label “1979.447” backside, pierced around the rim (missing parts), cracks, traces of abrasion, 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.
The object Mask “geh-naw” with the object ID 3035889 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 218 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,300.
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