https://emuseum.cornell.edu/internal/media/dispatcher/73333/fullBearded mask (Gegon)[]Wood and monkey fur (?)Made for export mask (no eye holes). Black mask with large bird bill and beard. Dan people believe that an essential force called dü is present in all parts of the world - in all animate and inanimate objects. Dü is particularly manifest in spirits who usually reside in the mountains and rely on humans to create masquerades so that the spirits may take corporeal form. Unlike many other African masquerades, the mask does not lose its spirit if damaged; nevertheless, the spirit may choose to abandon the mask, essentially leaving it dead. Finally, a mask spirit has little allegiance to its owner. If looted in war, the mask will transfer its power to the victor after appearing in a new owner's dream. Masks generally feature physical characteristics of either sex: female elements include elliptical eyes and an oval shape, whereas male facial qualities include a more angular eye and face shape, and a large overall size. Despite these gendered differences, masks are not believed to be male or female, but understood as pa, or "things." The bird-shaped mask that defines the G?gon masquerade is believed to be imported or a composite of masks from neighboring peoples. G?gon means "male masquerade" and primarily functions as an entertainer - joking with women, dancing in a manner that mimics a pecking bird. It also references a particular bird, the toucan, which is revered for having palms for nut and oil production. The toucan is the subject of several praise songs among the Dan. Suggested reading: Eberhard Fischer and Hans Himmelheber, The Arts of the Dan in West Africa. Zurich: Museum Rietberg, 1984. com.gallerysystems.emuseum.core.entities.Classification@6bhttps://emuseum.cornell.edu/objects/31948/rdf