Bassa Mask Liberia

The Bassa live along the coastal region of Liberia sharing many of the men's Poro and the women's Sande secret and initiatory societies found among their Dan and Kpelle neighbors. This mask known Geh-naw dances in graceful and feminine movements to accompany boys when they return to their village after having been initiated into the men's society. It will also appear during holidays and to honor important visitors to the village. The mask is worn on the face or forehead and the body is covered by a cloth costume. Sometimes a wicker basket is attached to the back of the mask. 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 usage and appearance of their arts. Occupying the geographic center of Liberia, the Bassa live in scattered small villages, and cultivate rice and other crops. They do not have