There are a wide variety of Dan masks, each with a different purpose. This beautiful Dan mask is from central Liberia has a hairstyle that indicating it may be female. Carved from wood and partially covered with red felt the mask has remnants of animal hide around the bottom of the mask. Holes exist around the edge of the mask for attaching raffia. The eyes round holes, a characteristic of the neighboring Grebo. The mask believed to have been created around 1040 is shows indicators of having been used in ceremonies. The mask is in excellent condition.
GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Liberia, Dan. The Dan people, also known as Gio, of Liberia and Cote d’ Ivoire are descendants of Mande ancestors who settled in area in the 16 Century. The Dan occupy an area far from the coast which resulted in little contact with early explorers, missionaries and settlers. The lack of outside influence allowed animist traditions and beliefs to exist well into the 20 Century. The Dan are primarily farmers who clear the land each year to grow crops. The Dan are known for their superb wooden carvings associated with spirits and the supernatural.
