Bassa

The art works of the Bassa are linked stylistically and ritually to the Mande-speaking Dan, who now live mainly in Cote d'Ivoire. Masks are the primary mode of expression for the Bassa, and figures are rare. What's known is that some statues are carved in honor of a "favorite spouse," important family member, or ancestor. The use of large maternity statues, which can also be found might have magical uses as well. Statues, unlike masks, are thought to be hidden and not, as far as we know, used ritually by the village as a whole. They are personal in nature, and thus each one has a unique meaning. The expressive facial features, hairstyles, and distinctive scarifications found on statuary parallel mask styles, and simplify the attribution of these rare pieces.