A "Gegon" Beak mask, Dan, Ivory Coast/ Liberia. This mask type with a long beak carved out from the same piece, called ‘Gegon’, depicts a stylised hornbill. It is carved in hard wood and dyed black to brownish on the front. On top of the mask are signs of sacrifications, Repaired agecracks on the left side of the mask. This type of mask exists with and without a beard in shape on anima fur or hair; incl. stand.

"Masked dancers who perform with masks such as the present one wear a full body costume made of fabric and plant fibres, as well as a helmet-like crest embellished with a décor of cowries and feathers on their head. The mask figure known as ‘Gegon' dances for entertainment in the villages of the northern Dan or plays the role of a guardian in the initiation camps in the ‘bush’."

Lit.: 'Die Kunst der Dan' by Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber, Rietberg Museum Zurich, pp. 119–126, passim.

500 - 600,- Euro

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Height: 44 cm
Weight: 1,2 kg