Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia
Dan
Wood, cotton fiber, metal, cowrie shells, feathers, bone
Early 20th Century
Length: 23.5 in, Width: 16 in, Depth: 7 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

Headdresses are the most important art form of the Dan people of Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia.  What is seen here is a headdress, as the word mask usually encompasses a full-body regalia constructed of raffia, feathers, and fur. The Dan people refer to these headdresses as gle or ge.  These are terms that refers both to the physical mask and the individual spirits the mask or regalia believed to be embodied during masquerade performances.  Gle can be divided into two categories: that of dean gle, which is a gentle, peaceful gle without a gender, but whose qualities are thought of as feminine;  and that of bu gle, which is the war gle named after the sound of a gunshot, whose qualities are thought of as masculine.

This a bu gle headdress that is designed to frighten. It is characterized by protruding tubes that serve as eyes.  The face has a red wooden plated nose with metal tacks and wooden bags under the eyes. There is a full rattan mustache under the nose and the mouth is open with one inserted tooth as a red painted tongue protrudes outward. The face is surrounded with fabric, braided rattan, and cowrie shells.  The extended fabric headdress terminates with many feathers.  This large bug le headdress shows age and usage.

Source: DAN masks – RAND AFRICAN ART