Liberia
 Liberia is the oldest republic in sub-Saharan Africa. It’s name is
derived from a Latin phrase meaning “free land.” Liberia is bordered by
Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Monrovia is the
capital and Liberia’s largest city.
Liberia’s population is made up of two main groups: indigenous Africans
who have lived in the region for hundreds of years, and
Americo-Liberians who are descended from freed slaves who came as
settlers. There are 16 different indigenous African groups that make up
nearly 95 percent of the Liberian population. Each group possesses a
unique history, language and culture. The largest group are the Kpell,
who live in central Liberia, and the Bassa, who live along the coast.
Other groups include the Gio, Krahn, Kru, Mano, and Vai.
Liberian Dance
 Music and dance are an integral part of village life in Liberia. The
people dance and sing for the departed souls of the dead, at
celebrations and weddings, on behalf of important visitors, and just
for fun. Liberian dances are often noted for the energy and passion
displayed by the dancers. As with most African dance forms, Liberian
dances often reference not just the physical, but the spiritual as
well. These dances are a way to preserve and transmit important stories
and traditions.
Dance styles vary according to different tribes and region. Some of the
best known forms of Liberian dance include Kru dances, Vai dances,
Kpelle dances and Bassa dances.
Masked Dances of Liberia
In the
indigenous groups of Liberia, masks play an important part
in connecting the living with the ancestral spirits and ancient
deities. It is a means by which people strive to gain knowledge
and insight into the future. The dancer "becomes" the mask,
thus it is traditionally important that the human identity
is
not revealed to the public.
 The
Dan Mask
The Gio
People live in northern Liberia, and speak a language called
Mande. They are primarily farmers and hunter/gatherers. Gio
men also have their own secret society which marks their initiation
into manhood and guides them throughout their lives. The Dan
mask is a ceremonial mask which is worn during festival time,
along with the Glegben, (Stilt Mask). The dance has very intricate
hands and feet movements, with which the drummer and the masked
dancer communicate. At times, the drummer follows the dancer,
and at times the dancer follows the drummer, making it a true
dialogue in movement and sound. (The Dan Mask shown here courtesy of Museum of Ancient & Modern Art.)
The
Vai Mask (Nafai or Frisky Devil)
Nafai belongs
to the Gola, Vai, and Mendi Tribes from Grand Cope Mount county
of Monrovia, Liberia. The Vai people make their living by farming
the fertile lands of northwestern Liberia and southeastern Sierra
Leone. The Nafai Mask belongs to the men. Usually this character
is very frisky, goes anywhere and asks for whatever he wants.
He is regarded as a playboy character.
The
Yan Mask
The Yan
Mask, or Gbetu, also belongs to the Gola, Vai, and the Mendi
Tribes of Liberia. The Yan is for the Poro (men's) society,
and the Sande (women's) society, or club. Within Vai culture
there are both male and female secret societies which teach
young boys and girls the social, survival, traditional, and
personal lessons in becoming men and women. Performing the
masked
dance is the final blessing. The Yan mask performs during the
graduation which is known as "The Breaking of the Poro Bush," where
the boys and the Yan mask exhibit their talents. |
