Mask - Sierra Leone (No reserve price)

Magnificent African mask
Gela mask of the No Dan Bassa
This traditional African mask comes from the central region of Liberia. The style of Bassa masks has been influenced by the Dan sculptors of the Ivory Coast.
The No men's society makes these masks, named Gela, dance, which are in fact feminine representations. They are worn at the close of the boys' initiation and during performances organized to honor visiting dignitaries.
The headdress is typically subdivided into several detailed braids and inlaid with red pigment, parallel, while the eyelids are drooping. The small protruding mouth is triangular in shape.