DAN MASK 11, Liberia

DAN, MASK 11, 11", $250 , Liberia , Photographs © Tim Hamill

Dan masks are usually used by male associations for rituals, education, social control and entertainment. Masks were thought to embody the most powerful of spirit forces called gle. Each gle has its own character. They brought control and order to village life. There are several distinctly different types of Dan masks.

ZAKPAI GE MASKS

Masks with a horizontal, usually red band across the eyes are Zakpai Ge masks, used to enforce fire prevention. The wearer monitors bonfires and punishes those who's bad practices endanger the village.

 

RETURN TO DAN MASKS ARCHIVES PAGE

RETURN TO DAN ART PAGE

RETURN TO MASKS OF THE DAN EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO DAN MASKS PAGE

GO TO DAN MASKS 3 PAGE

GO TO DAN METAL MASKS PAGE

GO TO DAN MASKS AND HEADDRESSES PAGE

GO TO DAN SPOON FIGURES PAGE

GO TO DAN SPOONS PAGE

GO TO DAN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN MASKS PAGE

GO TO NEW ADDITIONS PAGE

HOMEPAGE

 Index by
TRIBE

 Index by
OBJECT

CONTACT US