DAN, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire "Gunye Ge" racing mask, showi - Lot 272

DAN, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire "Gunye Ge" racing mask, showing a face with lively features, accentuated by wide-open eyes encircled in metal, a lippish mouth sculpted in relief, lips drawn with care, a rounded forehead, pronounced eyebrows and a visor projected slightly upward Wood, red fabric, plant fibers, metal, old patinas and marks of use H. 27 cm This mask, worn during ritual competitions organized by the Dan people, was used to identify the most agile runner and legitimize his role in society. The masked runner had to catch up with a non-masked opponent: if he succeeded, he retained the right to wear the mask; if not, he lost it. This ritual symbolized the transmission of prestige, vigilance and responsibility within the community.