Early African Dan Wood Mask (Gle / Ge)
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Description
West Africa, Liberia / Ivory Coast, Dan peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask known as a "gle" or "ge" used during ceremonial dances by the Dan peoples. The ovoid face exhibits curved brows, slit-form eyes, a prominent nose, and full lips with a delineated philtrum, and perforations along the periphery allow it to be strapped to the headdress or costume of the wearer. Masks like this are believed to be spiritually charged by dangerous immaterial forest spirits. When male performers wear the mask, they experience a dream sent by it that allows them to dance in the way the spirit intends. Size: 3.25" L x 5.25" W x 8.9" H (8.3 cm x 13.3 cm x 22.6 cm); 12.1" H (30.7 cm) on included custom stand.
The Dan people, who live in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, produce masks for nearly every element or occasion of their society, including education, war, peace, and entertainment. In Mande, the Dan language, masks are referred to as "gle" or "ge," which is also the term for the supernatural beings who live outside the village and who can inhabit the masks during ritual practices. Men may have dreams or visions sent by the mask which they interpret through dance. There are over a dozen different characters that the masks represent in skits and mimes, but the meaning of the masks and personalities they portray may change over time as the mask is handed down through the generations.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Florida/New York City, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#182773
The Dan people, who live in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, produce masks for nearly every element or occasion of their society, including education, war, peace, and entertainment. In Mande, the Dan language, masks are referred to as "gle" or "ge," which is also the term for the supernatural beings who live outside the village and who can inhabit the masks during ritual practices. Men may have dreams or visions sent by the mask which they interpret through dance. There are over a dozen different characters that the masks represent in skits and mimes, but the meaning of the masks and personalities they portray may change over time as the mask is handed down through the generations.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Florida/New York City, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#182773
Condition
Intact and choice. Wonderful patina throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
Early African Dan Wood Mask (Gle / Ge)
Estimate $1,600 - $2,400
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Payment
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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