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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Face Mask (Gunyege)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Face Mask (Gunyege)

Artist/Maker (Ivory Coast and Liberia)
Dateearly 20th century
Mediumwood, stain, aluminum, iron and encrustation
DimensionsOverall: 8 7/8 x 5 3/4 x 2 5/8 in. (22.5 x 14.6 x 6.7 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.95
    DescriptionGunyege is worn in a masquerade in which the young men in the village race each other to see who is fastest. The winner then has the right to wear the gunyege mask in the next race since it is believed that the mask’s spirit has deserted the previous winner in favor of someone new. Thus, gunyege functions as a trophy. In form, the mask is oval and displays the idealized beauty typical of many Dan masks, especially those with slit eyes. But unlike the slit-eyed masks, masks with round eyes are considered aggressive and masculine, a quality most appropriate for a mask used in the highly competitive races. The metal around the eyes enhances the effect of a glaring, threatening gaze.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lula people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bassa people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550