Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Bassa People You Should Know

The Bassa people are an ethnic group primarily located in Liberia and Sierra Leone. They have a rich cultural heritage and have produced many notable celebrities and influential figures.

Here are 10 prominent celebrities and notable people from the Bassa ethnicity:

• George Weah: Former professional footballer and current President of Liberia. He was the first African to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995.
• Jewel Howard-Taylor: Current Vice President of Liberia and former First Lady. She is the first female Vice President of the country.
• Charles Brumskine: Former presidential candidate and prominent politician. He was the leader of the Liberty Party and a prominent figure in Liberian politics.
• Benoni Urey: Businessman and politician. He is the founder and CEO of Lonestar Cell MTN, the largest mobile phone network in Liberia.
• Thomas Quiwonkpa: Former military officer and rebel leader. He was a key figure in the Liberian Civil War and is considered a national hero by some.
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was the first female President of Liberia and the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa.
• Edwin Snowe: Former politician and diplomat. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and was a member of the United Nations General Assembly.
• Philip Banks III: Former politician and diplomat. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and was Ambassador to the United States.
• Wesley Johnson: Professional basketball player. He plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Alexander Cummings: Businessman and politician. He is the founder and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Liberia and a former presidential candidate.

Bassa Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Bassa community is a prominent ethnic group primarily found in Liberia and Sierra Leone. With a rich cultural heritage and a history dating back centuries, the Bassa people have made significant contributions to the cultural, social, and political fabric of West Africa. In this article, we will explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Bassa heritage.

1. Oral Tradition and Folklore

The Bassa community has a strong emphasis on oral tradition and folklore, which has been passed down from generation to generation. The community has a rich tradition of storytelling, using the spoken word to preserve and transmit historical events, moral lessons, and cultural values. These stories often feature mythical creatures, heroes, and gods and serve as a way to educate, entertain, and connect the community. The Bassa oral tradition and folklore have played a vital role in preserving the cultural identity of the community over the centuries.

2. Mask Performance

The Bassa people are well-known for their intricate mask performances, which are an integral part of their cultural and religious practices. These masks are often carved from wood and depict various spiritual beings, ancestral figures, and animals. Mask performances, known as “baloi,” are held during important ceremonies and events, such as harvest festivals, initiations, and funerals. The masks are believed to embody spiritual forces and serve as a channel for communication between the living and the ancestors. The mesmerizing dances and movements of the masked performers captivate audiences and are a unique expression of Bassa cultural heritage.

3. Poro Society

The Poro Society is a secret initiation society that plays a central role in Bassa culture. It serves as a rite of passage for young men, helping them transition from adolescence to adulthood and instilling them with the cultural, moral, and social values of the Bassa community. The Poro Society is responsible for teaching skills such as hunting, farming, and leadership, as well as passing on traditional knowledge and wisdom. The society is known for its elaborate rituals, ceremonies, and masks, which are used to symbolize various spiritual beings and ancestral powers. The Poro Society continues to maintain its significance within the Bassa community, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural continuity.

• Oral Tradition and Folklore
• Mask Performance
• Poro Society

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Beti, Bamileke Bamu and Cham roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Bassa People

Country	Population	Percentage of Total Population
Liberia	1,157,200	15%
Sierra Leone	350,000	5%
Ivory Coast	180,000	3%
Guinea	120,000	2%
Ghana	70,000	1%

Bassa Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to dig deeper about the Bassa ethnic group:

• Britannica: The Britannica website provides a brief but informative overview of the Bassa people, including their history, language, and culture.
• “Bassa Religion and Medicine in Historical Perspective”: This research article by Simon Ottenberg provides a detailed exploration of the religious and medical practices among the Bassa people, offering insights into their beliefs and traditions.
• “Bassa Political Movement in Liberia in the 1930s: Explaining Bassa Resistance and Mobilization”: This journal article by James Teemu Gboe offers an in-depth analysis of the political mobilization and resistance movement among the Bassa people during the 1930s in Liberia.
• “Bassa Society and Culture”: This article by Simon Ottenberg explores various aspects of Bassa society and culture, including their social structure, marriage customs, and initiation rituals.
• “Indigenous Education and National Development: A Case Study of the Bassa People of Liberia”: This research paper by Abraham A. Kamara focuses on the challenges and opportunities related to indigenous education among the Bassa people, highlighting their efforts towards national development.

Further resources such as books, documentaries, and academic journals can also provide valuable insights into the Bassa ethnic group. Exploring these resources can help deepen your understanding of their history, culture, and contributions to society.