Gunyege/ running mask, Dan, Ivory Coast, ca 1960

The 350,000 Dan live in the northwest of Ivory Coast. They are farmers, but they have the reputation of being fierce fighters, who always fight against their neighbors; the WE, Guro and Mano. The masks embody the supernatural, spiritual force called 'Gle' that lives in the forest. The Gunyege participate in races with the fastest young men of the village. It was believed that the power of the Gle helps the wearer to win. The mask goes as a trophy to the fastest runner. The typical large round eyes are characteristic of this type of mask.

Length: 21.5 cm, including beard approx. 40 cm
Weight: 170 grams
Origin: Ivory Coast
Date: approx. 1960
Provenance: ex Peter Beaujean

Excluding stand