Mask with Slit Eyes

Dan, Liberia

Early 20th century

Wood

18cm Tall

Provenance:

Frederic Littman, Oregon

 “Between Realms: African Art from Portland Collections”, The Littman Gallery, The White Gallery, and the Silver Gallery Second Floor, Smith Memorial Center, Portland State University, May - June 1985

Masks like the one above are central elements to Dan spiritual belief. These wooden faces, generally referred to as ‘Ge’, when worn by a dancer and accompanied by ritualists, and troupe of musicians, is thought to be the physical manifestation of ancient forest spirits descended from the god Zlan. When an initiated boy has a dream about a mask, he must go to a blacksmith and have one made. Then the mask is named and performed, only then gaining its true purpose and context. While many masks start as static types, they often change over time to adopt new roles before eventually being retired, replaced, and sold.