Dan Guerze Gagon mask
Spirits in African Tribal Art
In the Dan culture, in Côte d'Ivoire, dangerous spirits of the forest are translated, in their traditional art, in the form of masks with human faces.
Whether worn or not, these masks are spiritually charged since they do not simply represent spirits as in other ethnic groups but are inhabited by the spirit itself.
The dancers, gle-zo, have visions sent by the spirits of the masks allowing them to perform their dance.
They are articulated according to a hierarchical system which dominates political and religious life. The spirits and therefore the masks can therefore be classified by types.
The gagon type African mask that I present to you here comes from a Dan sub-group, Dan Guerzé, located in Guinea. This type of piece is rare. Note the metal strapping of the circular eyes and the thick crusty patina covering the piece.
The hairs are still present, which testifies to the exceptional state of conservation of the piece. The inner face also shows beautiful traces of portage.
Attached photos: Guerzé fetish dancer wearing his mask and costume. On the poster of an exhibition organized by the Royal Museum for Central Africa in 1963, see a gagon mask.
02384
Data sheet
- Size
- 29 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Spirits in African Tribal Art
In the Dan culture, in Côte d'Ivoire, dangerous spirits of the forest are translated, in their traditional art, in the form of masks with human faces.
Whether worn or not, these masks are spiritually charged since they do not simply represent spirits as in other ethnic groups but are inhabited by the spirit itself.
The dancers, gle-zo, have visions sent by the spirits of the masks allowing them to perform their dance.
They are articulated according to a hierarchical system which dominates political and religious life. The spirits and therefore the masks can therefore be classified by types.
The gagon type African mask that I present to you here comes from a Dan sub-group, Dan Guerzé, located in Guinea. This type of piece is rare. Note the metal strapping of the circular eyes and the thick crusty patina covering the piece.
The hairs are still present, which testifies to the exceptional state of conservation of the piece. The inner face also shows beautiful traces of portage.
Attached photos: Guerzé fetish dancer wearing his mask and costume. On the poster of an exhibition organized by the Royal Museum for Central Africa in 1963, see a gagon mask.