Gela ritual mask. - Dan Bassa. - Liberia

Among the Dan, masks are the spirits of the bush and not their representatives.
Very numerous in their diversity, Dan masks are named Guégo, "head of the mask".
The general term Glé designates the entire figure.
Glé embodies the spiritual force that inhabits the forest and wishes to participate in village life, notably to resolve conflicts.
Masks named Gela are generally prognathic and adorned with scarifications.
Text on the Bassa adapted from "Rock of the Ancestors" Cuttington University College 1977, pages 26 and 27.
Usually made from a very hard wood, they are polished with the leaves of a tree similar to sandpaper, then dyed black using plant dye (latex, soot).
Masks with round eyes embody a feminine spirit, eyes with slits embody a masculine spirit – this is the case with this one.
Old brown patina in use.
Height 27 cm × Width 16 cm × Depth 12 cm Weight 430 g
Sent by registered Colissimo.