A Finely Carved Dan Mask

Period: 1900-1950

Medium: Wood, Textile

Dimension: 25 cm (9⁷/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Guy Montaibou collection, France
Ex Galerie Flak, Paris, France
Ex Private English collection

Literature: The Dan Peoples of the Ivory Coast live in a forested region of West Africa and all of their masks, no matter how large or small, crude or fine are invested with the powerful vitality and spirit of the forest. This vitality fosters the well being of the community and their protection against harm.
     Performers wore these masks on public occasions for communal benefit, a practice that was widespread until the 1960s. The variety of masks carved in this region was enormous, although they all have a frontal facial form. They are classed into male or female, unusual and deviant social categories and sometimes have a particular function ascribed to them such as warrior, dancer, debt collector, actor or singer, hunter or delinquent, by both public and performers alike.