Dean Gle masker - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire

Dan ceremonial dance mask from West Africa. Liberia / Ivory Coast. Mid-20th century.

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Description
Authentic Dan Dean Gle mask from West Africa, used as a ceremonial dance mask within the Dan culture of Côte d’Ivoire. This type of mask served as a carrier of Gle or Ge, an independent spiritual force that manifested through ritual dance.

The mask was worn by an initiated member of the Dan men's association. It appeared during initiation rituals, justice proceedings, and village ceremonies. Within this context, it served to transmit knowledge, reinforce social structures, and maintain order within the community.

The facial shape is subdued and functional. Narrow horizontal eye slits limit visibility and enhance the wearer's inner focus. The smooth forehead and oval facial shape refer to the Dan beauty ideal. The lightly open mouth with an air passage supports singing and rhythmic movement during dance.

Clear holes are visible along the edges. These demonstrate the attachment to a full-body suit made of raffia and textile. The original raffia headdress has been preserved and hand-braided. The wear is consistent with long-term ceremonial use.

The wood displays a deep, matte patina that develops through years of ritual use. The interior shows clear signs of wear and contact with the skin. No later interventions or restorations are visible.

This mask belongs to the Dean Gle category and not to the aggressive Bu Gle types. Its character is controlled, educational, and social in nature.

The symbol (⸻)

Origin and Context
Same. Then.
Region: West Africa
Land. Côte d’Ivoire
Period. circa 1950–1970
Function. Ceremonial ritual dance mask.
Practices, transition rituals, justice, and village ceremonies.

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Material
hardwood
Plant fibers
Raffia
Natural patina

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State
Honest condition with clear signs of use and age.
Structure intact.
No modern restorations.

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Cruelty
Dan Dean Gle masks with original headdress and convincing patina remain sought after within the international ethnographic collection market. Pieces with this serenity, balance, and cultural readability appear less frequently in open sale.

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DIMENSIONS
Height approximately 32 cm
Width approximately 21 cm
Depth about 13 cm.
Weight approximately 602g

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DISPATCH
Carefully packed.
Shipping with tracking.

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We are Mies & Nuno from Cherry Picking.
We collect what is too beautiful to forget and give it a second life.
Sustainable, stylish, and with a keen eye for detail.
Not perfect, but just right.

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