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Gunyege face mask

19th–mid-20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341
A Gunyege, or racing mask, is defined by its wide circular eyes and slightly raised perimeter. While this mask type was developed to train young men for war, more recently it has been performed primarily during feats of athleticism, including at racing exhibitions held during the dry season. At these events, unmasked runners are chased by an embodiment of Gunyege. If a runner manages to outpace the spirit, he puts on his own mask and the direction of pursuit is reversed. As Dan masks are believed to be invincible, Gunyege races present a rare opportunity for humans to prevail against their masked competitors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Gunyege face mask
  • Artist: Dan artist
  • Date: 19th–mid-20th century
  • Geography: Côte d'Ivoire, Trokpadrou village
  • Culture: Dan peoples
  • Medium: Wood, pigment, kaolin
  • Dimensions: H. 9 1/4 × W. 5 7/8 × D. 3 1/4 in. (23.5 × 14.9 × 8.3 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Lillian and Sidney Lichter, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.420.2
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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