Wooden Mask
Item
Accession Number
2024.12.
Title
Wooden Mask
Ethnic Group
Dan
Subject
Mask|Ritual|West Africa
Country
Liberia
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Patinated wood, hair
Format
H x W x D: 8 1/4 in x 4 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in (20.955 cm x 12.065 cm x 5.715 cm)
Description
The wooden Dan mask has a large, bulbous forehead that moves downward to a narrow chin. The eyes are formed by large carved circles, which may identify this mask as a Gunye Ge mask used in foot racing competitions to be worn by the champion. Human hair has been braided and threaded through the small holes along the edge at the top of the mask. Similar small holes can be seen on the chin, potentially used to attach other facial hair or adornments.
Type
Face Mask