A Kran mask (masque de guerriers), Liberia. Signs of ritual use; Certificate of origin and provenance. Incl stand.

The Kran mask (masque de guerriers) from Liberia is a significant artifact within the cultural and ritualistic traditions of the Kran people, a subgroup of the larger Dan ethnic group found in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. These masks are often associated with warrior societies and play a crucial role in initiation rites, social control, and spiritual protection. Typically carved from wood and sometimes adorned with natural fibers, animal hair, or metal embellishments, these masks are designed to invoke powerful spiritual entities. They are worn during ceremonies to embody supernatural forces that provide guidance and protection to the community.

"The warrior masks of the Kran people function as an extension of the supernatural world into human society, reinforcing hierarchical structures and maintaining the spiritual equilibrium necessary for social cohesion"
Source: Ezra, K. Art of the Dan: Masks and Sculptures from Liberia and Ivory Coast. The Museum for African Art, 1986, p. 72.

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Height: 38 cm
Weight: 1,8 kg incl. stand