Ethnic groups · pre-1822 and continuing
Gio people
Masters of the mask, on the forested marches toward the Cavalla.
Biography
The Gio, who call themselves Dan, extend eastward across what is now the Ivorian border. Their carving — smooth, closed-eyed feminine faces and the great runner and judge masks — is among the most admired sculptural traditions in Africa, and the masks were not art objects but offices: a mask could settle a dispute, declare a hunt or command a town. Gio society combined lineage authority with a graded men's association parallel to Poro.
Historical significance
One of the sixteen principal peoples mapped in the atlas; Mande (southeastern) in language, with an economy built on mask carving and brass casting.
Timeline
- pre-1822Dan/Gio towns established in the north-eastern forest
On the map
Associated with Tapeta-area towns. Open the historical atlas.
Related entries
References
- Fischer & Himmelheber, Die Kunst der Dan (1976)
Suggested reading
- Dunn, Beyan & Burrowes (2000). Historical Dictionary of Liberia.