Bassa Divination Female Figure Scarification Liberia

This is a divination figure. Magic items would have been placed behind the removable feet and in the openings of the hair above the forehead. A seated female figure is carved in a strong style typical to the Bassa people. This example is a pure Bassa sculpture with all the details found in typical Bassa Figures. The head and face of this figure are carved in a similar manner as the better-known Bassa masks called Geh-naw that dance in graceful and feminine movements to accompany the boys when they return to their village after having been initiated into the men's society. The facial features are expressive. The elaborate braided hairstyle and markings on the chest and abdomen are evidence that the figure represents a mature or initiative female. The Bassa have several female and male societies, including chu-den-zo, to whom gela (geh-naw). The Bassa are relatives of the Dan, who live to their northeast, mostly in Cote d'Ivoire. They have absorbed much from Dan culture, including the us