York's Shona Gallery presents the "Dan Mask" by the Dan tribe of the Ivory Coast. A smooth oval face with round, open eyes and full lips is carved with a fine ridge down the forehead. The surface is polished to a deep, dark sheen.
At 9" long, the mask is hand carved from wood and was made in 1977.
This mask is called a Gunye Ge and was used in racing competitions. Its wearer was chased by an unmasked runner, and if caught, the runner took the mask and was chased in turn. These races trained men to compete, and the winner gained social recognition within the tribe.
