A Dan mask, Ivory Coast, called ‘Gegon’, a long beak carved out from the same piece, a large perforated nose with prominent nostrils, framed by crescent-shaped slit eyes, bordered all around, a slightly domed forehead, zoomorphic tapering ears, above the forehead ornamental patterns, topped by five horns; shiny brown patina, partly encrusted, traces of age and ritual use, incl. stand. 

"Gegon, which means "male masquerade", is employed exclusively by the Northern Dan. He is an entertainer who is accompanied by drummers and singers."

Lit.: Eberhard Fischer/Hans Himmelheber: The Arts of the Dan in West Africa, Museum Rietberg, 1984, p. 81; Hans Himmelheber: Masken der We und Dan - Elfenbeinküste, Museum Rietberg, Zürich, 1997.

Height: 41 cm
Weight: 0,60 g