Gela Dan Bassa mask
Traditional art from West Africa
This African mask from the south-western Do (Dan) region of Liberia displays features characteristic of the artistic corpus of this region. The triangular face with a prognathic chin is surmounted by a finely chiselled forehead with braids and small protrusions. The median line running from the forehead to the bridge of the nose should also be noted. The small protruding mouth is decorated with teeth. A metallic plating adorns the face and its oxidation is of the most beautiful effect. This mask could be attributed to a specific sculptor, Son, whose work presents a great stylistic unity. Son created masks of various types for villagers, which were used in the mid-twentieth century in the villages of his native region, as well as for the chiefs of the Dan tribe, who sought to acquire prestigious objects, statuettes, games, which they then offered to their guests.
Although this mask is intended for the entertainment festivities of the No male association, it emphasises the desirable features that women can emulate through its graceful and smooth dance style. It was not worn in front of the dancer's face but was attached to a basket-like frame concealed by the costume and covering the dancer's entire head. The wearer looked out from under the mask through the openings in the costume. Most examples have a stained black surface which differs from the natural aged wood of this piece.
01490
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 25 x 15 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, metal
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection France
- Condition
- Excellent
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Traditional art from West Africa
This African mask from the south-western Do (Dan) region of Liberia displays features characteristic of the artistic corpus of this region. The triangular face with a prognathic chin is surmounted by a finely chiselled forehead with braids and small protrusions. The median line running from the forehead to the bridge of the nose should also be noted. The small protruding mouth is decorated with teeth. A metallic plating adorns the face and its oxidation is of the most beautiful effect. This mask could be attributed to a specific sculptor, Son, whose work presents a great stylistic unity. Son created masks of various types for villagers, which were used in the mid-twentieth century in the villages of his native region, as well as for the chiefs of the Dan tribe, who sought to acquire prestigious objects, statuettes, games, which they then offered to their guests.
Although this mask is intended for the entertainment festivities of the No male association, it emphasises the desirable features that women can emulate through its graceful and smooth dance style. It was not worn in front of the dancer's face but was attached to a basket-like frame concealed by the costume and covering the dancer's entire head. The wearer looked out from under the mask through the openings in the costume. Most examples have a stained black surface which differs from the natural aged wood of this piece.