Bugle Mask of the Dan: What It Was For and Why It Matters
Dan | Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire | Warrior / Protective
What was it for?
A war mask. The Bugle, also written Bu gle, accompanied warriors and was believed to protect them from enemy weapons and to strengthen their courage. It belongs to the fierce side of Dan masquerade, set apart from the gentle masks that care for initiates and the playful masks of celebration.
What does it look like?
Aggressive features distinguish it from the more serene Dan masks: tubular eyes, a ridge across the forehead and a fierce expression. Some examples have an articulated jaw that can move. The surface is dark, in keeping with the dangerous and unpredictable forces the mask was meant to command.
Why does it matter?
The Bugle shows how Dan masquerade gave form to every part of life, including conflict. Alongside masks for care, sport and celebration, the Dan made masks for war, so the spirit world was present wherever the community needed courage.
One thing most people never know
The tubular eyes are among the strongest features in Dan sculpture. Projecting outward from the face, they give the Bugle a fixed and intense stare, and in examples with an articulated jaw the moving mouth adds life to its menace. Small carved details like these carry much of the mask's power.
Further reading: the source record for this entry.
This entry is part of the SEVICS Africa archive of 100 African masks. If you own a mask like this and want to know more about it, try our Mask Identifier.
