Dan Ge Gon (Bird) Mask, Ivory Coast #197

$ 950.00 $ 1,900.00

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Dan Ge Gon (Bird) Mask, Ivory Coast
A Dan bird mask-called Ge Gon, Liberia/Ivory Coast, an elongated, curved beak beneath an oval, hollowed mask, protruding mouth with metal teeth, a naturalistic nose framed by tubelike eyes, pierced through, on top of the domed forehead two slightly curved horns with a figure in the center; encrusted patina, signs of scarifications.
Once they are divorced from their performance contexts, however, mask forms are difficult to identify. Performances of Bete and Wee masks may span the careers of many generations of wearers, contributing to the increasingly sacred status of these objects. A masquerade's vitality may also be transferred from one mask form to another. Over time, any respected Dan mask may eventually be elevated to the category gunagle, the mask that represents a village quarter, or gle wa, a judicial mask. Source, THE MET, New York.
Measurements: 75cm
Circa 1960-70
Condition: Very Good. Heavy, intact Sacrificial Patina. Of note, despite its younger age, the back of the mask has a patina of Ritual Wear and Use.
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