The Dan are found in Liberia and the Ivory Coast. Some speak Mande while others speak Kru languages. The tribes and subtribes under the Dan group are the Bassa, Kran, Gere/Woke, Dan, Mano, Bete and Grebo. All of these tribes have a Go societies which unite them politically. 'Go' denotes a Leopard Society and these societies use a variety of masks for a great number of purposes.

The people believe that when bush spirits enter into the masks, these spirits assist them in their work, teach them and entertain them. The mask costume, together with the body of the dancer, provides a temporary home for a spirit. These masks and costumes are used in a variety of ritual dances, ceremonies and entertainment. Some of the more significant masks are:

a) Tanke-gle: entertainment in important ceremonies. They have long tubular eyes, strong protruding cheekbones and moveable jaws. They are used by judges to administer justice. In this case the costume consists of a red cloth headdress decorated with white fur, leopard skin or feathers and a red cloak or raffia skirt.