Bassa Fecondity sculpture

A Bassa figure associated with fertility

This sculpture from the Bassa people of Liberia depicts a woman associated with fertility. Her intricate braided hairstyle and the scarification visible on her body are her main distinguishing features. These marks may indicate her status as an initiate or her maturity and are also associated with beauty, fertility, and social identity. Offered by Versmissen, the piece dates from the mid-20th century.

Crafted from natural wood, this figure features beige tones and measures 20 x 22,5 x 88 cm. Beyond its connection with fertility, it also fulfills a protective role within the cultural context described. The statue invokes the spirit of an ancestor to watch over the living, a function linked to Bassa spiritual and social practices. The female posture, treatment of the hairstyle, and body markings thus bring together several signs of identity and symbolism.

Features of the Bassa Fecondity sculpture

• Female figure of the Bassa people
• Carved from natural wood
• Braided hairstyle and scarification
• Dimensions: 20 x 22,5 x 88 cm
• Originating from Liberia