Mask "geh-naw"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 215
80th Tribal Art AuctionMask "geh-naw"
Liberia, Bassa
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Wolfgang Nerlich, Munich, Germany Hermann Sommerhage, Duisburg, Germany |
H: 7.7 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, spotty brown patina, coiffure arranged in parallel lobes, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, small missing parts, base;
the mask type "geh-naw" belongs to a secret society called "chu-den-zo". It used to entertain the audience when the initiated boys returned from the bush camp or when distinguished guests came to visit the village. The dancer wore the mask on the forehead, looking through a gap within the cloth, veiling his head and the upper part of his body.