Gela mask, Bassa people, Liberia 

​

​

The Bassa people reside in the country of Liberia, on the west Coast of Africa. The Gela is the senior entertainment mask of the principal Bassa men’s society and is noted for its beauty and graceful, refined feminine traits. The hairstyle is similar to hairstyles worn by women of high status on important occasions. The odd numbers of plaits (braids) are symmetrically arranged with the central plait connecting with the scarification on the forehead. Gela masks also have distinct naturalistic features, including eyes, nose and mouth. The face tapers down to a point also emphasizing femininity. These masks are attached to a headpiece consisting of a large, flat disk-shaped basketry structure covered with narrow strips of animal hide. The mask does not cover the wearer’s face, but is suspended from the headpiece over his forehead. Only the upper portion of the mask is attached to the headpiece. The wearer sees through a cloth hanging from the lower portion of the mask (note the mask’s eyes are closed). The forehead and bridge of the nose is carved with intricate patterns resembling scarification.  The masquerade represents femininity and is graceful and smooth when performed.  

 

Source: Meneghini, Mairo. The Bassa Mask, African Arts: Vol. 6, No. 1 (Autumn, 1972) pp. 44-48