Māori, Oceanic & African Art Tuesday, 8 October 2024 - 5:00 PM start
A Large Ceremonial Mask From The Dan People of Liberia
Realised: $500 plus premium
Lot Details
A Large Ceremonial Mask From The Dan People of Liberia Carved wood with dark, red, and kaolin pigments. The face framed by a fabric cushion adorned with cowrie shells and conical metal bells. The Dan people refer to these masks as gle, a term that refers both to the physical mask and the individual spirits the mask is believed to embody during masquerade performances. The wooden gle is accompanied by a full-body costume constructed of raffia, feathers and fur. It is believed that each gle has its own personality, preferences, dance and speech patterns and is given a personal name. The wearer of the mask takes on all of these qualities during the masquerade. Provenance: private collection of Michael Yoffe. H 34cm
