H x W x D: 24.8 x 12.4 x 14.3 cm (9 3/4 x 4 7/8 x 5 5/8 in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Liberia
Côte d'Ivoire
Guinea
Date:
Early 20th century
Label Text:
The Dan call masks gle or ga and believe them to be manifestations of wild forest spirits. These spirits (du) have no form, but when they wish to use their powers to support mankind, they manifest themselves in magical objects, large ritual spoons or masks. Spirits select an individual to impersonate them by appearing in his or her dreams. Only men, however, are selected to don masks that represent spirits. The spirit informs the man of the required type of mask, its name, accoutrements, musical accompaniment and dance steps.
Dan masks range in design from naturalistic to highly stylized. They represent male and female humans, male animals or a mixture of human and animal features. Masks appear in contexts related to social control, political and judicial matters, peacemaking, education, competition and entertainment.
The prominent cantilevered forehead, angular projecting cheeks, tubular eyes and large open mouth that once held teeth are attributes of a fearsome male spirit. The mask accompanied warriors into battle or supported them by creating a frightening atmosphere in an adversary's village. A feather headdress and a big beard were originally attached to the mask, which was worn with a heavy raffia skirt.
The Dan commissioned artists to carve masks but not often. Successful old masks were preferred and were employed as long as possible. The identity and contexts of use changed over time. Accordingly, an entertainment mask could become a renowned court justice mask.
Description:
Oval wood face mask with a cantilevered forehead, angular projecting cheeks, large hollow tubular eyes and a large, jutting, open mouth. A feather headdress and fiber beard were originally attached to the mask, which was worn with a heavy raffia skirt.
Provenance:
Charles Ratton, Paris
Alfred Scheinberg, New York
Private collection, New York
Donald Morris Gallery, New York
Exhibition History:
Recent Acquisitions 2000, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., May 13, 1999-January 24, 2000
Published References:
Jacob, Alain. 1976. Statuaire de l'Afrique noire. Paris: ABC Décor, p. 18.
National Museum of African Art. 1999. Selected Works from the Collection of the National Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 40-41, no. 20B.
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