Dan Mask, Liberia
gunyeya
height 9 1/4in (23.5cm)
Wood, metal
Provenance:
John J. Klejmann, New York
Private Collection, New York
"The 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." (Bacquart, 1998: p 36)
The present mask is a classic example of this highly representative style and form of African art.
