African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask

DAN TRIBE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.

28 3/8 in. (2.1 kg, 72 cm long).

Carved wooden mask of oval profile with narrow slits for eyes, pursed lips, a ribbed forehead, bands of applied textile and cowrie shells; tall fabric-covered headdress with applied cowrie shells and other ornament. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Private Hampshire, UK, collection of tribal art; acquired in the 1960s.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

Footnotes

This is a Dan Dean Gle Mask. Its functions are to teach, entertain and nurture. One of the most spectacular dances of the Ivory Coast is the dance of the stilt walkers, it is a ritual dance that protects the village and is celebrated during ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, initiations, and other special occasions.

CONDITION

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LOT 2366