Dan Bassa mask
African Dan Bassa mask type known as geh-naw or gela 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 Bassa mask is the senior entertainment mask of the men's No association.
When danced it emphasizes desirable traits for women to emulate. Although smaller than life size, the wood mask was attached to an open basketlike construction that was concealed as part of a larger costume that fully covered the dancer's face.
02435
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 25 cm (37 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- B. Berete Collection
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
African Dan Bassa mask type known as geh-naw or gela 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 Bassa mask is the senior entertainment mask of the men's No association.
When danced it emphasizes desirable traits for women to emulate. Although smaller than life size, the wood mask was attached to an open basketlike construction that was concealed as part of a larger costume that fully covered the dancer's face.