** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine example of a passport mask bearing characteristic Dan stylization, all hand-carved from lustrous, espresso-hued wood. The ovoid vizard presents with a pair of massive eyes adorned beneath with incised triangular patterns, a prominent nose, pursed lips with a central perforation as if whistling, and a trio of incised concentric grooves framing the countenance. The forehead bulges slightly outwards above the face, and the peripheries are lined with several perforations for attaching a larger costume. Size: 5.3" W x 9.2" H (13.5 cm x 23.4 cm)

The Dan people, who live in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, produce masks for nearly every element or occasion of their society, including education, war, peace, and entertainment. In Mande, the Dan language, masks are referred to as "gle" or "ge," which is also the term for the supernatural beings who live outside the village and who can inhabit the masks during ritual practice.

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169188

Small chips and losses to some peripheral areas as well as one petite area beneath proper left eye as shown. Wear and old adhesive residue beneath chin, perhaps from old display mounting. Minor abrasions and softening to some finer details, with softening to some incised details. Nice patina throughout. Modern metal loop screw visible behind top of verso for mounting and display purposes.