'Gunye Ge' Racing Mask,

Origin: Dan Tribe, Ivory Coast/Liberia
Composition: wood, cotton, cowrie shells, vegetable fiber

The Gunye Ge, or Gunyeya mask, also called a racing mask, has a pointed face and typical large circular eyes. Its wearer is pursued by an unmasked runner and, if caught, the unmasked runner wears the mask and is, in turn, pursued. Historically, these races trained men to fight and the winner gained social recognition. Nowadays, the races are more like a game (passage from Bacquart, Tribal Arts of Africa).

This piece was purchased in 1999 in the Ivory Coast and was carved in the late 20th century. The fabric surrounding the face gives it much character. Many Dan masks are available in the Western art market; some used and then sold, others carved from sale to tourists.