Liberia

Bassa

Wood and kaolin paint
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 26 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

This Bassa ceremonial trumpet/horn is characterized by a semi-closed eyes, a protruding mouth, triple high ridged coiffure, and reddish/pink painted dots on the head and neck. Below the diamond shaped blow-hole with its extended lip plate is a column of parallel marks that show incised double loops on both sides. This Bassa trumpets shows signs of tribal usage and age.

Bassa are one of the largest Kru-speaking peoples in the central coastal region and adjacent hinterland of Liberia. They have been strongly influenced by the Mende-speaking neighbors, especially the Dan and Kpelle. Their economy is based on rice which they cultivate around small villages which have a population around two hundred. Bassa artistic tradition has been influenced by their north-eastern neighbors, the Dan, who live on the Côte d’Ivoire. The Bassa have several female and male societies, including chu-den-zo, to whom gela (geh-naw) masks belong. Bassa carvers are famed for their gela masks worn during the No men’s society ceremonies when the wearer of the mask moves with feminine and elegant grace. The masqueraders entertain the spectators when initiated boys return from bush camp, when important guests visit the village, and on other festive occasions. The dancer wears the mask, which is attached to a woven framework, on his forehead, and looks through a slit in the fabric which is part of the costume that covers his head and upper body. Because they are fixed on a framework, the interior of most such masks shows no signs of wear. Bassa sculptures also bare similarity to Dan and display monumental and solemn qualities combined with skillful carving.