A fine Gola helmet mask, Liberia

gbetu, overall bell-shaped, the tall ringed neck supporting the head with abbreviated features and a metal star at the crown; blackened surface.

Jay C. Leff, Uniontown
Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, April 22, 1967, lot 29
Acquired at the above auction

Good condition overall; neck horizontally broken at the center and repaired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A Gola gbetu Mask

The face of this mask and the ringed neck are most often associated with Mende art. Consequently this type of mask is often erroneously identified as a woman's mask for the Sande society. It is, in fact, a mask used by male members of the Poro society. It is a type found among the Vai and Gola of Liberia and is known as borwu among the Vai and gbetu among the Gola. Both names mean "long neck" and refer to the cultural ideal of a beautiful woman with a long and elegant neck. The classic hair styling also represents a refined woman of social status. The Rosenthal example combines an especially long ringed neck with an elegant face. The bold geometric forms of the lower portion are characteristic of Gola versions of the mask. The gbetu is an entertainment mask that performs acrobatic feats growing very tall and then shrinking low to the ground and doing cartwheels and other tricks while wearing a raffia costume that resembles a hay stack.

William C. Siegmann
Brooklyn, New York
September 2008