Dan Gunye Ge Mask

The Dan lives from the cultivation of cocoa, rice and cassava. Before the establishment of the unifying secret societies at the turn of the century, each Dan village was an autonomous socio-political unit governed by a leader elected on the basis of his wealth and social standing. Today, the Leopard Society acts as a major regulator of Dan's life and initiates young men during their three to four months of seclusion in the forest. The Dan have gained notoriety in the region for their entertainment festivals which were historically village ceremonies, but which are now largely organized for tourists. During these holidays, masked performers dance on stilts. Dan masks feature a concave face, pointed chin, protruding mouth, upturned nose and domed forehead.
This African mask from the Côte d 'L'ivory is distinguished by its metal-rimmed eyes. Masks with round eyes, bulging or not, are considered manifestations of "masculine" spirits.
The wood of this mask is dated 1960 +/- 6 from the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Milan, an instrument that, with stylistic expertise, can determine its authenticity and great value.