Mask "zakpai"

Description

wood, partly encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, pierced round eyes with raised rim, forehead nail, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
present mask type is even called runner mask, “running juju”. It is widespread among the northern Dan. Worn by the fastest runner of the village, the masks are supposed to warn the inhabitants and call for help in case a fire breaks out. They used to wear face masks with big circular eyes and a coating of red fabric, completed by a head gear with big leaves “bülä” and a rough costume with short fibre skirt. Their “weapon” was a short branch while their companion used to beat a slit gong. They only appeared in dry season and their sole task was to control the cooking fire places within the village. They are not dancing or singing, they are just rumping with the youngsters of the village.