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.
DEANGLE MASKS
Masks with softly modeled features, slit or downcast eyes and often a vertical ridge on the forehead are regarded as feminine masks, Deangle, an idealized form of beauty and grace.. They represent gentle spirits who collect food from the villagers for boys away in initiation camps and were used for nurturing, teaching and entertaining. White bands across the eyes copy the practice of Dan females painting white kaolin on their faces for special occasions.
TANGAGLE MASKS
Feminine masks, often more intricately carved than Deangle masks, are used in singing masquerades and confer blessings on the village.
GUNYEGE MASKS
Round eyed masks are used in racing games and ceremonies in which the masked spirit must compete against unmasked runners. If the wearer lose the race, it means the spirit has deserted that person and the mask goes to the winner, as a trophy to wear in the next race.
BUGLE MASKS
Masks with round eues that project outwards are usually Bugle masks, used at planting time to aid in the creation of good crops. They were considered masculine and more aggressive.
GAGON MASKS
Masks with a large beak-like form and beard of monkey fur, often with a moveable lower jaw, are Gagon masks, originally an educational mask instructing people on the importance of the hornbill, now used mostly for entertainment.
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.
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