The 350,000 Dan live in the Northwestern Ivory Coast. They are farmers but have a reputation of being fierce warriors, always battling their neighbors; the We, Guro, and Mano. The masks incarnate the supernatural, spiritual force called 'Gle' who lives in the forest. The Gunyege participate in races with the fastest young men of the village. It it believed that the power of the Gle helps its wearer to win. The mask goes to the fastest runner as a trophy.
Dimensions: 9" H x 5 1/2" W x 3" D
Ex. Phil Lobred Collection
