Bassa in Sierra Leone
Photo Source:
Ignite Liberia
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| People Name: | Bassa |
| Country: | Sierra Leone |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 9,500 |
| World Population: | 809,500 |
| Primary Language: | Bassa |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 43.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Kru |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The language of the Bassas is Bassa. Bassa is a Kru based language. They live in Liberian with a smaller population in Sierra Leone.
Before colonial days, they were farmers, traders, or blacksmiths.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Bassa society is agrarian. They grow cassava, yams, eddo, and plantains. Each Bassa village is controlled by a chief, and there are independent clans.
They have an initiation society called Sande that involves helmet-shaped masks. Masks and wooden and brass goods are what they create as art. Some of their masks are intended to resemble ancestors who have gone before them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The helmet-shaped masks have sacred significance. They have always revered ancestral spirits that they call upon for help. The Bassas are primarily animistic, calling upon their ancestral spirits through rituals. However, there is a strong Christian presence among them that can become a force for Christ throughout West Africa.
What Are Their Needs?
Bassas need good medical care that extends into every village.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Bassas a desire to serve the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and minds.
Pray for Bassa churches to produce loving and dedicated disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to give them an abundant harvest as a testimony of his goodness and power.