African Mask from Cote d'Ivoire / Liberia

A Dan Gle mask from the Dan people of the Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia border region. Compact and serene in form, the mask features a smooth oval face, circular tubular eye sockets with round perforations, a raised arched brow ridge meeting at a central point, a broad flat nose with flared nostrils, and slightly parted lips. The dark burnished surface carries warm golden-brown tones developed through age and handling. Perforations along the rim once secured a full raffia costume during performance. Among the Dan, each mask (gle) embodies a distinct spirit with its own character and function. The soft, symmetrical modelling of this piece suggests a serene or feminine spirit presence within the Dan ceremonial hierarchy.