Dan Gle mask
€650.00
Traditional masks of the Dan ethnic group, generically called "gle" or "ge", occupy a central place in the rites and culture of the Dan people of Côte d'Ivoire.
These masks embody supernatural spirits of the forest who aspire to enter the civilized world of the village, a transition made possible by masked performances. There is a great diversity of them with different characteristics, meanings and uses.
The making of a mask is initiated by a male member of the Dan society who has received in a dream a detailed vision of the spirit, its function and the associated performance. After approval by the council of elders, the mask is carved and accompanied by a complete costume of raffia, feathers and fur.
Each gle has a specific personality, dance and language, and the wearer of the mask adopts these attributes during performances.
This example is a remarkably fine and aesthetic archetype of the Dan masks with wide open eyes. A rounded forehead, small teeth showing between curled lips, a rope-like goatee.
Shipping fees
02574
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 20 cm (37 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, rope
- Country
- Origin
- B. Berete Collection
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Traditional masks of the Dan ethnic group, generically called "gle" or "ge", occupy a central place in the rites and culture of the Dan people of Côte d'Ivoire.
These masks embody supernatural spirits of the forest who aspire to enter the civilized world of the village, a transition made possible by masked performances. There is a great diversity of them with different characteristics, meanings and uses.
The making of a mask is initiated by a male member of the Dan society who has received in a dream a detailed vision of the spirit, its function and the associated performance. After approval by the council of elders, the mask is carved and accompanied by a complete costume of raffia, feathers and fur.
Each gle has a specific personality, dance and language, and the wearer of the mask adopts these attributes during performances.
This example is a remarkably fine and aesthetic archetype of the Dan masks with wide open eyes. A rounded forehead, small teeth showing between curled lips, a rope-like goatee.