Mask dan - Ivory Coast - Wood - Height 25 cm - Late 19th - Early 20th century

About the "big" Dan masks :

More than among the other peoples of West Africa, masks have an extremely important role for the Dan because they are considered the materialization of spirits wishing to exert an influence on the life of the village. The masks preside over actions within the framework of community life such as the dept to war, the construction of a forge, the application of decisions. The masks put on an adornment as well as their wearer. If the masks are pleasant, dance and sing beautifully, they often have almond eyes and smiling mouth. When the features are more accused and the eyes, we have instead to deal with warrior figures, aggressive and furious characters.

These Dan masks are from a private collection.