This guy with his pointed chin, crescent face, and
detailed do, is a classic example of a gela
mask from the Bassa people of Liberia. Associated with the all-male No society, a mask like this is intended
to convey a graceful, serene, almost feminine-like quality, and would have been
worn by dancers performing during initiation ceremonies and community
festivities, or to impress and entertain important guests. Unlike most other
African masks, the gela is attached
to a woven framework which fits onto the dancer’s forehead; as a result, gela masks typically show very little
wear.
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Wood
17" H, 6.5" W, 2.5" D
