Mask "geh naw" ·  Libéria, Bassa · ID: 3035637

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, hollowed facial plane with pointed chin, forehead scarification, elaborate coiffure carved with knobs and high forehead crest, pierced around the rim, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage at the back, slight traces of abrasion;
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.