The Bassa, one of the largest Kru-speaking
peoples in the central coastal region and
adjacent hinterland of Liberia, have been
strongly influenced by the Mende-speaking
neighbors, specifically the Dan. Their economy
is based on rice that they cultivate around small
villages which each have a population of around
two hundred people. Stylistically, this sculpture
is heavily indebted to the sculptural
characteristic of Dan figures. The posture and
proportions of this stunning sculpture is almost
a direct quote of similar Dan examples from the
position of the limbs to the layout of the facial
structure. No doubt the visage of this woman is
drawn from the Gela masks that Bassa artists are
famous for. These masks, also influenced by the
Dan, displays a characteristic two-planed face
with a protruding mouth semi-closed eyes and
represent idealized forms of feminine beauty. In
the Dan tradition, this type of figure was
commissioned by powerful chiefs as three-
dimensional portraits of their favorite spouse.
These sculptures are kept hidden inside houses
and are only revealed during important occasions
such as visits by foreign dignitaries. They also
function as maternity figures as suggested by
the figure’s swelling belly and elongated breasts.
Based on both the striking similarity and general
rarity of these figures, if is same to assume that
they functioned much the same between the two
tribes. Perhaps the most stunning feature of this
masterpiece is the elaborate decorative
scarifications that cover almost all of her torso,
front and back. These scars both accentuate her
tremendous beauty and convey her status and
rank within the Bassa tribe. Certain patterns,
such as the vertical band carved along her nose
and forehead, are characteristic of the Bassa and
would clearly identify her as a member of this
tribe. Overall, the heavily encrusted patina that
blankets this work attests to its ceremonial
significance within the tribe. This sculpture was
created to commemorate the spouse of a chief
and to immortalize her beauty. Today, she
continues to captivate all who gaze upon her.
- (PF.5920)
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