A Dan sculpture with a woven raffia headdress, Ivory Coast.

These sculptures hold significant cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting the Dan people's beliefs, social values, and artistic traditions.

Representation of Femininity and Social Ideals
Female Dan sculptures often symbolize ideals of beauty, fertility, and womanhood. They serve as embodiments of the cultural values and aesthetic standards held by the Dan community.

Spiritual and Protective Roles
Dan female sculptures are frequently connected to spiritual practices and rituals. They are seen as vessels for spiritual forces or representations of ancestral spirits.

Use in Secret Societies
The Dan people have secret societies, such as the Sande (or Bondo) society, which plays a crucial role in the initiation and education of women. Female sculptures may be associated with these societies, symbolizing the values and knowledge imparted during initiation. They represent the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

Aesthetic Characteristics
Female Dan sculptures are renowned for their refined and abstract style, which reflects the Dan people's focus on symbolic representation rather than realism. Common features include:

Connection to the Spirit World
For the Dan, sculptures are not merely decorative; they are imbued with spiritual energy. A female sculpture might serve as a dwelling place for a spirit invoked during rituals, making it a powerful object of reverence.

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Height: 48 cm
Weight: 880 g