1950s Dan Gle Face Mask Ivory Coast Deangle Type Hardwood Ethnographic Tribal

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Among the Ivory Coast, masks are known as gle or ge, terms that refer both to the physical object and … Read more Among the Ivory Coast, masks are known as gle or ge, terms that refer both to the physical object and the individual spirit the mask embodies during masquerade performances. This face mask presents the classic formal elements of the Dan Deangle type: oval face, slit almond-shaped eye openings, smooth forehead, small nose, and narrow slit mouth, the idealized form of Dan beauty representing a nurturing female forest spirit. Carved from a single piece of dense dark hardwood, the surface has been darkened and shows a smooth patina consistent with age and handling. The reverse shows the characteristic hand-hollowed interior with a rough-worked surface, pierced border holes along the perimeter for attachment of the full costume during performance, and a wire hanging loop. Heavy and substantial, dense hardwood construction throughout. See less