ON SALE
The 350,000 Dan live in the northeastern Côte dIvoire and in the east of Liberia. The Dan of Liberia are famous for a wide variety of masks that are used exclusively by males for entertainment, social control, education and ritual purposes. These masks are divided into categories that denote their particular ceremonial function. Dan people have achieved world wide notoriety for their entertainment festivals which were historically village ceremonies, but are today performed largely for visitors and tourists. Each of the masks below have been used in Dan celebrations. The price is for all three masks!
The price is for all 3 masks.
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Left "Female" Mask: The feminine masks are typically characterized by an oval, pointed face, and feature slender slanted eyes, a long forehead, a slender nose, a half-opened mouth and a smooth patina finish. They are known for their calm, abstract beauty, and during ceremonies, the performer dances gracefully and harmlessly. The female Dan mask is an idealized form of beauty and grace.
Dimensions: 8 1/2 inches long x 5 inches wide.
Center "Bagle" Mask: The classic circular eyes permit unhindered vision on the part of the wearer. This facial covering is characteristic of the racer mask (gunye ge )that originates in the north. The mask is used during game play amoung young men.
Dimensions: 11 inches long x 9 inches wide. Measurements include the fiber and cowry shell frame.
Right "Deangle" Mask: This mask features a studded feminine ridge in the middle of the forehead, slit like protruding eyes and mouth. It is usually covered with kaolin or a natural crust. This is facial covering is used to act as an intermediary between the spirit forest realm and the human realm during initiation camp.
Dimensions: 8 1/2 long x 4 1/2 inches wide.
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