Mask (Dean gle)

In Dan culture, masks are incorporated into both religious and secular occasions, such as initiations and funerals. They are accompanied by conical hats and raffia skirts. When performed, the masks are manifested as spirits through music, costume, movement, or song. They are therefore referred to as genu, “forest spirits” (singular gle or ge). This mask features an oval face with projecting chin and nose and slit eyes with thin raised eyebrows and a slightly open downturned mouth. These are traditional elements of the dean gle mask, which is danced at male initiation ceremonies. This gle is not accompanied by music or dancing but moves very gracefully and collects food from a village for the initiates in their forest camp. This kind of mask was typically carved from a single piece of wood. Holes along the perimeter of the mask served as the attachment point for fur, feathers, or cloth.