This outstanding hooded mask was made by the
Dan group. It is a remarkable example of its
type. It has a very tall, broad apex, widening to
the cheekbones and narrowing to a pointed chin.
The forehead is high and domed, running down
to wide, circular eyes under sharp brows, a
broad, flat nose and a prominent mouth. The
patination is superb. The apex of the piece is
marked with a band of cowrie shells that give
way to a tall headdress to which is attached – and
also to the mask – a striped earth-tones cloth
which would effectively have hidden the features
of the wearer.
The Dan are a farming tribe, settled in the semi-
wooded areas of Liberia and the ivory Coast.
While beholden to agriculture, much of their
mythology and social structure is based upon the
forest and its fiercer creatures – the Leopard
Society is the main organ of social control. For
example, initiates spend up to four months alone
in the forest before they are permitted to enter
maturity.
They are one of the most prolific masking groups
in Africa, as there was scarcely a social function
that did not have its own mask prior to the
1960s. For example, there are masks for fire-
watching (= fire warden), adjudicators, warriors,
debt collectors, social delinquents and warriors,
and others for enlisting workers to clear paths, to
catch runaway wives, to snatch feast food to
serve to children and even for spying. Small
“passport” masks were kept as talismans of good
luck, and also served as markers of authority and
ambassadorial functions. Masks were inherited
through lineages, kept on altars and endowed
with libations; they achieve their dark colour
through immersion in black mud sacred
materials. Some retain traces of what are
presumed to be the remains of magical
substances.
Function is not always easy to ascertain,
paradoxically, as the masks were usually
associated with costumes that have not survived,
and with particular occasions, dances or people.
This is the first such example that we have seen,
and it appears to be a “gunyege” mask. These
were worn by a sprinter and pursued by
unmasked initiates. Once caught, he had to
surrender the mask and the capturer would wear
it and be pursued. They were somewhat vigorous
pursuits, designed to train the men to fight.
These masks are the most elegant and
impressive of the Dan repertoire. This is a
superb example of a rare and beautiful form.
