A Dan wooden mask from the Ivory Coast with and oval face, a wide protruding forehead, small slanted eyes with almost closed white lids, nose and mouth in high relief with a pointed chin, the center of the forehead has a vertically carved geometric motif connecting to the hair line, and to the crested coiffure; the ears are small with pronounced tragus. The mask's rims are pierced with irregular holes for attaching the rest of the costume. Signs of use, shiny blackened patina. 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: 27 cm
Weight: 1,4 kg (incl stand)