Dan (Ivory Coast) Mask Wood, cowrie shells, animal teeth, leather, beads

In terms of style, this mask shows the basic characteristics of a Dan ceremonial mask such as the smooth and highly polished head with a high-domed forehead. Other immediately recognizable Dan traits are the vertical scarification marks on the forehead, exaggerated chin, and slanted eye slits. In Dan society, masks are worn with elaborate costumes, bracelets, anklets, and neck ornaments. While wearing the mask in ceremony, the person disregards his identity and becomes a representation of the spirit with whom the mask is associated. Masks of this nature denote human features and are used in Poro society ritual activities. Called many by different names including ge, gle, and kagle, this mask is a good example of the mask used within a ceremonial costume of the Dan people.