Very nice mask, Dan the runner. - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire (No reserve price)

Ancient mask - Dan / Yacouba Among the Dan, the masks are the spirits of the bush and not their representatives. Very numerous in their diversity, the Dan masks are named Guégo, "mask head". The general term Glé (Gleu in the southwest) designates the entire character. Glé embodies the spiritual force that inhabits the forest and wishes to participate in village life. The mask bearer and its owner enjoy a very high status in the village hierarchy. Their appearance, during masked celebrations, resolves conflicts that could not have been settled by the village chief. The one who does not respect the masks commits a serious crime against his society and his religion. The Dan masks are highly hierarchical during ceremonies: some appear only to entertain the public, others are silent or endowed with speech. The majority speak and sing, their voice being manifested through music. Round-eyed masks embody a feminine spirit, the eyes slit-shaped embody a masculine spirit. Height, in cm 35 Colissimo shipping

Estimate:£0.84

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical