Fascinated by this Dan / Wobé Initiation Gebande Beggar Mask that is a part of our latest African art and artifacts collection. Brian has been lovingly adding details to each of these items, and learning about them is certainly fascinating. Pieter Jan Vandenhoute, author of “Classification stylistique du masque Dan et Guéré de la Cote d'Ivoire occidentale” (1948), distinguished two large groups of Dan Masks: the Gebande and the Genome. Gebande is the most sacred examples of Dan Masks while Genome is a lower rank of Masks. The classifications relate to the content which the Dan attribute to the Mask, rather than the appearance of the Mask. Gebande Masks can be divided into a series of subgroups and categories, and this particular example is a Beggars’ Mask, whose primary purpose would be to be used in the collection of offerings for ancestors. Hand crafted in forest wood with a decoration of cotton fabric, inlaid with cowry shells and bells in bronze, this example is a true beauty. To read more, see additional pictures, and arrange a viewing or purchase, please follow the link in our profile! #danmask #danmasks #danpeople #danwobe #wobe #wobemask #wobemasks #gebande #cotedivoire #ivorycoast #africanmask #africanart #dantribe #africanartcollector #cowrieshell #mask #learn #maskcollector #decorate #decor #shop #nyc #unionsquare #beadsofparadise (at Beads of Paradise NYC) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj51th6v6r1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=