A Dan male sculpture, Ivory Coast, Touba region. Certificate of origin and provenance.

The Dan believe in a supreme deity, Zlan, and a vast array of ancestral spirits and lesser deities who interact with the human world. These spirits, known as Du, often manifest through sculptures and masks, acting as intermediaries between the human and supernatural realms (Fischer & Himmelheber, 1984).
Each mask or sculpture is associated with a specific societal role, including:
• Judicial functions (enforcing laws, settling disputes).
• Protective spirits (guarding villages and individuals).
• Entertainment and initiation rites (celebrating communal values).
In initiation societies, such as the Poro and Gle societies, masks and sculptures serve as ritual objects that teach moral values, maintain order, and connect the living with their ancestors (Zetterström, 1999).

“For the Dan people, sculptures and masks are not simply aesthetic objects but are imbued with living power. A mask does not merely represent a spirit—it becomes that spirit when worn by an initiate. The sculpture serves as a conduit between the human and supernatural realms, embodying an energy that transcends its material form. Whether used in judicial proceedings, initiation rituals, or protective ceremonies, each piece is seen as a spiritual tool essential to the well-being of the community.”
— Fischer, E., & Himmelheber, H. (1984). The Arts of the Dan in West Africa. Museum Rietberg Zurich, p. 57.

“In Dan society, sculpture plays a crucial role in initiation and social regulation. The Gle masks, for example, are part of a sophisticated system of law enforcement and social discipline. These masks appear during public trials and conflict resolutions, their authority unquestioned due to their spiritual significance. Some are considered so powerful that they must remain unseen by the uninitiated, as their presence alone can alter the course of human affairs. Dan sculpture, therefore, is not merely an artistic expression—it is a vital instrument of governance, spirituality, and communal identity.”
— Zetterström, K. (1999). Masks and Meaning: The Dan Traditions of West Africa. Smithsonian Institution Press, p. 114.

sold

Height: 58 cm
Weight: 2 kg