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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Dan Masks : Dan Wooden Gunyega Mask with Raffia Beard
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Dan Wooden Gunyega Mask with Raffia Beard - PF.4990
Origin: Liberia/Ivory Coast
Circa: 1900
AD
to 1930
AD
Dimensions:
16" (40.6cm) high
x 8" (20.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Dan
Medium: Wood, Raffia
Additional Information: Height includes the raffia beard.
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The Dan use masks during funerals, initiations
and various celebrations, all of which involve
dance and occasionally pantomime. Stylistic
details indicate the function of the mask and its
particular role in an event. This handsome mask
is distinguished by its round eyes, as opposed to
the fine slits of the Deangle mask. An
overhanging forehead sets the eyes into even
deeper relief, the nose turns upwards at the tip,
and the lips are very full with a cleft on the
upper portion. The beard of raffia fibre adds
height and dimension, and also designates this
mask as masculine. The Gunyega rules over the
footraces of young initiates, representing a
masked spirit that must compete against
unmasked runners. In this context, it must be a
suitable "medium" for a spirit who partakes in
human activities, conveying a feeling of the
physical and non-physical worlds. In both senses
this mask performs admirably.
- (PF.4990)
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