A Fine Dan Mask

A Fine Dan Mask

Dan Peoples, Cote d' Ivoire/Liberia

H: 13.5 in (with base 32 in), L: 29 in, W: 13 in.

Materials: wood, cowrie shells, cloth, bells, hair

The powerful male mask with rounded forehead, deep furrowed brow, and almond eyes, above a wide open mouth; long elaborate crown decorated with several cowrie shells, with cloth painted red on each side, and one in the center of the head - other pieces of cloth painted black and beige over the crown, at the end of the crown red cloth tied around presumed powerful animal hair, covered partially with cowrie shells.

The lower portion of the face with attachment of cowrie shells, cloth and six bells, carefully displayed. This magnificent mask is professionally erected on a 25 inch metal base. Mask was danced during annual festival ceremonies.