Late 19th/Early 20th C. Bassa Ppl Miniature Geh Naw Maskette. Liberia. Wood with deep, thick, encrusted and darkened patina from much use and care. Length: 7 7/8 in. In excellent condition, though missing part of the lower left edge which has been gone forever and patina has been accumulated over the area. Other losses and wear are ancient, as old as the mask. Not sure if the mask ever was pierced along the edges, its probable, but there are no longer any holes visible. An old stress crack on the backside is now stable and shows similar patina, indicating it happened early in the history of the maskette. Provenance: Old private collection, Chicago, 1960's.