Lot 4015
Dan Gunye ge Mask, Race Mask, Ivory Coast
Sold June 27, 2025
- Price realized
- $60
Price realized is the winning bid (hammer price) and excludes buyer’s premium.
About this lot
Estimated Value: $ 200-600
Origin: West Africa, Liberia, Dan tribe. 1950’s to early 1960.
Dimensions: 12x6x15 in.
Condition: Some fraying around the edges, fading, and wear throughout.
Additional Information: The mask is known as a race mask made out hand carved wood with a cloth red eye covering and wrapped rope hair. The mask was made for entertainment for the children. Someone would put on the mask and be chased by an unmasked runner. When he was caught, he would give the mask to the winner and do the same. This was to teach young boys and men how run and fight. Now the event is held at festivities announcing the dry season initiating young children.
The mask was use by the Dan farmers of the northwestern Ivory coast known as Yacouba. This mask is called “kpelie” and is danced before the annual harvest of grains. It is used to pray for rain and for protection. Also to ward off evil spirits and “tricksters” that might cause a lightning strike that could produce fire that would burn the crops. The red band across the mask serves as a warning. The mask can also be used for the messenger at the time of circumcision of young boys.
Provenance: Reportedly from Michele Herling Galleries
Lot details
- Lot
- 4015
- Closed
- June 27, 2025
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