Lot 114

Dan Wooden Runner's Mask (Gunye Ge), Raffia Collar

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Dan Wooden Runner's Mask (Gunye Ge), Raffia Collar

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,650

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

West Africa, Liberia, ca. first half 20th century CE. Carved wooden mask from the Dan people of northeastern Liberia or western Côte d'Ivoire, known as a runner's mask (also referred to as gunye ge). These masks were designed for speed and agility, often worn by younger men in competitive running events during masquerade festivals. Unlike masks intended for spiritual or judicial roles, runner's masks are typically lighter, more streamlined, and smaller in scale. This example features a well-balanced, ovoid face with rounded forehead, pierced circular eyes, and projecting lips — typical of masks designed for enhanced visibility and breathability during rapid movement. The mask retains textile attachments and a raffia fiber collar, with a deep blackened patina from handling and age. Size including fabric tassels: 7" W x 16" H (17.8 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#196223

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Staining from tribal use. Old loss to right and left edges affecting a few drilled suspension holes. Great old patina!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000