Dan Mask
Liberia / Ivory Coast
A mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form contained within an elongated facial volume and organised through a central ridge and lateral planar reduction.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the face is defined by a continuous brow band beneath which narrow, half-closed eyes are set. Small projecting ears emerge laterally at the temples. The nose descends in a straight central ridge, terminating above a projecting mouth formed as an oval opening. The forehead, cheeks, and chin are organised as distinct planar fields. A triangular coiffure rises from the crown, encased in textile and ornamented with cowrie shells arranged across its surface and along its perimeter. A textile element is attached along the lower edge, falling behind the mask.
Surface is compact and stable, with patina retained across the facial plane and exposure at abraded points.
Context
Among the Dan, masks of this type are used within masquerade performance associated with social and judicial functions.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1982.
Details
- Title
- Dan Mask
- Culture
- Dan
- Origin
- Liberia / Ivory Coast
- Date
- 19th–20th century
- Dimensions
- H 55 cm (21.7 in) · W 25 cm (9.8 in) · D 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Medium
- Wood, cowrie shells, textile
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1982.
- Condition
- Stable patina; cowrie shells and textile retained; exposure at abraded points.
