TRIBALLY USED DAN AFRICAN WOOD CEREMONIAL MASK
Type of Object : FACE MASK
Ethnic Group : DAN
Country of Origin : IVORY COAST and/or LIBERIA
Materials : WOOD
Approximate Age : 40+ years
Dimensions : 8” x 5” x 2”
Weight : 6 ounces
Overall Condition : Used, Very Good (eroded)
Additional Information: This a quite an unusual Dan mask with the seemingly Bassa influence from Liberia. It has a small chip in reverse lower corner of nose. Shiny and subtle patina on the back of the mask indicating intensive use.
More About the Dan: The Dan, who are also known by the name Yacouba, live in the western part of the Ivory Coast and into Liberia where the land is forested in the south and bordered by a savannah in the north. They make their living from farming cocoa, rice and manioc. Before unifying secret societies were set up at the turn of the century, each Dan village was an autonomous socio-political unit governed by a chief elected on the base of his wealth and social position. Today, the leopard society acts as a major regulator of Dan life and initiates young men during their isolated periods of three to four months in the forest. Dan people have achieved notoriety in the area for their entertainment festivals, which were historically village ceremonies, but today are performed largely for tourists. During these festivals, masked performers dance on stilts.
Shipping & Handling Detail: US BUYERS: Secure shipping and insurance will be determined by territory at close of auction. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Secure shipping and insurance will be determined by territory at close of auction. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's custom office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.