| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
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Dan mask, Ivory Coast and Liberia
9" tall x 6" wide (14" tall including attachments)
wood, plant fiber, metal, cloth, pigment
*stand in photos is not included with the mask, it was used for photography purposes only.
$400
"Masks are the most important art form of the Dan. Many of the other forms of sculpture are derived from the mask and what the mask
symbolizes. Numerically, more masks are created than any other form of sculpture. Spiritually, masks are perceived to embody the
most powerful of spirit forces. Socially, masks are the means of bringing control and order to village life. Masks provide the strongest
impressions of a young Dan person's earliest experience, as their importance is reinforced by their presence at all significant events.
Masks are empowered by the strongest of supernatural spirit forces, called gle. Like dii, gle inhabit the dark forest, particularly where
the trees grow high and dense. Gle long to enter into and participate in the ordered world of the village but, being invisible, cannot
until a visible form for each is made. The nature of that form, a mask and complete masquerade ensemble meant to represent the
personality of the gle, is seen in a dream. In addition, the gle must reveal its intended function in the dream or that dream is
considered useless. The dreamer, who must be an initiated member of the men's society, reports the dream to the council of elders.
They then decide whether the masquerade ensemble should be created for that man to wear and perform.
The carver carves the wooden face, and this is accompanied by attire that includes forest materials such as raffia, feathers, and fur.
It is believed that each gle has its own personality, character, dance, speech patterns, likes, and dislikes, and it is given a personal
name. The wearer of the mask takes on all these characteristics and qualities when he wears the mask ensemble. Having come from
the unknown realm of the dark forest, a gle is thought to be unpredictable. Therefore it always has an attendant with it to control it as
well as to interpret its speech." - Four Dan Sculptors: Continuity and Change by Barbara C. Johnson
*Despite its appearance, it is my opinion that this finely crafted and attractive mask was made specifically for the collecting market as it shows no real
signs of age or use.
9" tall x 6" wide (14" tall including attachments)
wood, plant fiber, metal, cloth, pigment
*stand in photos is not included with the mask, it was used for photography purposes only.
$400
"Masks are the most important art form of the Dan. Many of the other forms of sculpture are derived from the mask and what the mask
symbolizes. Numerically, more masks are created than any other form of sculpture. Spiritually, masks are perceived to embody the
most powerful of spirit forces. Socially, masks are the means of bringing control and order to village life. Masks provide the strongest
impressions of a young Dan person's earliest experience, as their importance is reinforced by their presence at all significant events.
Masks are empowered by the strongest of supernatural spirit forces, called gle. Like dii, gle inhabit the dark forest, particularly where
the trees grow high and dense. Gle long to enter into and participate in the ordered world of the village but, being invisible, cannot
until a visible form for each is made. The nature of that form, a mask and complete masquerade ensemble meant to represent the
personality of the gle, is seen in a dream. In addition, the gle must reveal its intended function in the dream or that dream is
considered useless. The dreamer, who must be an initiated member of the men's society, reports the dream to the council of elders.
They then decide whether the masquerade ensemble should be created for that man to wear and perform.
The carver carves the wooden face, and this is accompanied by attire that includes forest materials such as raffia, feathers, and fur.
It is believed that each gle has its own personality, character, dance, speech patterns, likes, and dislikes, and it is given a personal
name. The wearer of the mask takes on all these characteristics and qualities when he wears the mask ensemble. Having come from
the unknown realm of the dark forest, a gle is thought to be unpredictable. Therefore it always has an attendant with it to control it as
well as to interpret its speech." - Four Dan Sculptors: Continuity and Change by Barbara C. Johnson
*Despite its appearance, it is my opinion that this finely crafted and attractive mask was made specifically for the collecting market as it shows no real
signs of age or use.
