Dan mask; Ivory Coast, 19th century.

Dan mask; Ivory Coast, XIX century.
Wood.
Provenance :- Giovanni Franco Scanzi, Italy.
Measurements: 24,5 cm.

Mask of the Dan ethnic group, following the synthetic language of the art of this cultural region.

The terms ge and gle are used interchangeably to refer both to the Dan masks and to the occult spiritual forces that inhabit the forest, with the intention of entering the civilized society of the people. Dan belief holds that the only way these entities can manifest themselves is through the masquerade ceremony.