Dance mask - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast Dan Wood Height: 220 mm Width: 135 mm Depth: 60 mm Provenance: collected at Biankouma in the east of Ivory Coast near the town of Man and close to the border with Liberia and Guinea. 1. Geographical and cultural origin The forest region: The Dan people live in a zone of forests and mountains extending mainly in the west of Ivory Coast and the northeast of Liberia, where they are sometimes called Gio. The bush spirits (Gle): Among the Dan, the mask is not designed as a human creation intended to hide a face, but as the physical manifestation of a Gle (an invisible bush spirit). This spirit chooses to incarnate itself through wood to communicate with humans and participate in the management of society. 2. Ritual use and typology In Dan statuary, the shape of the eyes directly determines the function and character of the mask spirit. Here two broad categories are distinguished; this mask belongs to the second: Feminine masks with half-closed eyes (Deangle): Usually soft, peaceful and linked to initiation or rejoicing. The running or fire mask (Zakpei or Gunyege): The piece has large round, excavated eyes, characteristic of masks with a dynamic, masculine or warrior function. The running mask (Gunyege): Used during inter-district or inter-village foot-race competitions during the dry season. The wearer of the mask pursues the youths; if he catches them, he removes an attribute. It is a means of training the youth and maintaining dynamic social cohesion. The fire-surveillance mask (Zakpei): During the dry season, when hot winds blow and fire risks are high, this mask travels through the village to ensure that women have truly extinguished domestic hearths before midday. If a fire is left unattended, the mask imposes a fine or confiscates goods. 3. Stylistic characteristics of the piece The aesthetics of this piece testify to the pared-down classicism and strong graphic force of Dan art: The oval of the face: The mask presents an oval shape, with a slightly protruding forehead and a chin that narrows downward. The eyes and mouth: The circular, wide, and deeply perforated orbits provide excellent visibility to the dancer (essential for running or rapid movements). The mouth is carved with volume, with full lips projecting forward and slightly open, letting the breath pass. The peripheral perforations: The numerous circular openings drilled along the lateral and lower border were used to fasten a thick beard (often made of plant fibers or hair) as well as the headdress and the fabric costume that entirely concealed the body of the initiate. Patina and reverse: The outer face shows a dark, matte patina, evidence of traditional application of plant pigments or ritual mud. The reverse shows a regular hollow and a lighter internal patina caused by repeated rubbing against the wearer’s face. Fast and protected shipment. Packages are sent with tracking number. Delivery between 1 and 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union via Chronopost International. Delivery via Colissimo International in the rest of Europe and worldwide We speak english. mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst

Estimate:£125.59

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