SINGER MASK - DAN / YACOUBA - IVORY COAST A perfect addition to any tribal/African art collection. Among the Dan, masks are the spirits of the bush and not their representatives. Very numerous in their diversity, the Dan masks are called Guégo, "mask head". The general term Glé (Gleu in the southwest) designates the entire character. Glé embodies the spiritual force that lives in the forest and wishes to participate in village life. The wearer of the mask and its owner enjoy a very high status in the village hierarchy. Their appearance, during masked festivals, resolves conflicts that could not have been settled by the village chief. Anyone who does not respect masks commits a serious crime against his society and his religion. Dan masks are very hierarchical during ceremonies: some appear only to entertain the public, others are mute or able to speak. The majority speak and sing, their voices being able to manifest themselves through music. The details of a classification approach established by JB Bacquart are available here Concerning the singing masks, they are considered feminine and elegant spirits. They will liven up the parties by singing the praises of the organizers, the cooks, the guests. Just like the griot mask which accompanies the sacred mask, the singer mask is a true historian who knows how to evoke the great actions of the ancestors. He is often invited to celebrations and funerals, and may decide on his own to go and greet a personality. In fact, he receives many gifts, or money. height 26 cm width 14 cm