Mask "geh-naw" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3035889
sold
EUR 1,300
Provenance
Kamyas Antiques, New York, USADuke University, Durham, USA
Bonhams, New York, November 9, 2011, lot 279
Size
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
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.