This mask type with a long beak carved out from the same piece, called ‘Gegon’, depicts a stylised hornbill. It is carved in hard wood and dyed black on the front. A ‘beard’ made of black monkey skin (of the black-and-white colobus monkey) is attached to the underside of the long, powerful ‘beak’ and glued to its edge by means of black tree resin. The lower jaw is additionally carved and connected to the mask. Remains of an earlier outline with metal are detectable near the small, almond-shaped eyes (a fracture to the left eye due to age). The entire face is outlined with scarification marks.
Masked dancers who perform with masks such as the present one wear a full body costume made of fabric and plant fibres, as well as a helmet-like crest embellished with a décor of cowries and feathers on their head. The mask figure known as ‘Gegon' dances for entertainment in the villages of the northern Dan or plays the role of a guardian in the initiation camps in the ‘bush’.
The present ‘Gegon’ beak mask is visibly very old and displays a convincing, partly shiny usage patina (with minor age-related damage) both on the front and on the back!
Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; H: c. 38 cm (without beard).

Provenance: Collection of Prof. Rudolf Leopold, Vienna. (ME) ASA

Lit.: 'Die Kunst der Dan' by Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber, Rietberg Museum Zurich, pp. 119–126, passim.