Dan masks

Scholars use the terms ge and gle interchangeably to refer both to Dan masks and to invisible, supernatural spirit forces that live in the forest but esteem to enter the civilized world of the village.

The council of elders, once they are told of the dream, decides whether the masquerade ensemble should be created for that man to wear and perform.

The wooden gle is accompanied by a full-body costume constructed of raffia, feathers and fur.

It is characterized by narrow eyes, an oval shape, a smooth forehead, and a mouth slightly open to expose teeth.

Their eyes are depicted as protruding tubes and the surface of the face has boldly projecting angles.

The most powerful bu gle masks are decorated with animal and human deposits such as bone and fur.

For example, gle may reference technology, mention Jesus or Allah, incorporate mass-mediated popular music and sing or speak in many languages.

Dan dean gle mask, from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
Dan bu gle mask, from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
Von Gla mask, from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
Dan personal miniature masks, from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum