A Dan wooden mask from the Ivory Coast with and oval face, a wide forehead, small asymmetrical holes for the eyes with a different texture around the eyes, a small nose and slightly open mouth with a pointed chin, the center of the forehead has a vertical carving connecting with two branches from the center of it connecting to wither side of the hairline which is carved in arches and capped by cowrie shell decorations; around the chin are bells and wooden teethe with natural material ornamentation. The mask's rims are pierced with irregular holes for attaching the rest of the costume. It has a shiny blackened patina with encrusted patina around the eyes. Certificate of origin and provenance.

“The border between Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia cuts across several ethnic groups, including the Dan, Wee, Kran, and Grebo. In Dan society, dangerous immaterial forest spirits are translated into the forms of human face masks. Whether or not they are worn, such sculptures are spiritually charged. Male performers, gle-zo, experience a dream sent by the mask spirit that allows them to dance it. In performance, the masks are integrated into the hierarchical system that governs political and religious life.

Dan masks have been documented as the embodiment of at least a dozen artistic personalities. Among these are Deangle, who ventures into the village from the initiation camps to ask women for food; Tankagle and Bagle, who entertain through a range of aesthetically pleasing dances, skits, and mimes; Bugle, who historically leads men into battle; and Gunyege, whose mask is worn by a community's champion foot racers in competitions.” Source: Met Museum, NY.

sold

Height: 33 cm
Weight: 1,5 kg (incl stand)