**Originally Listed At $500**

West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan peoples, ca. 20th century CE. A fascinating hand-carved wood mask presenting an evocative visage with iron alloy teeth and a sizable, protruding forehead. Used during ceremonial dances by the Dan peoples, the stylized vizard presents sweeping, arched brows above slender eyes, a broad nose, full lips held slightly parted to reveal 3 teeth, and a pointed chin. Liberal remains of pigment adorns the area around the eyes, while a series of perforations are featured along the periphery, allowing it to be strapped to the headdress or costume of the wearer. Masks like this example are believed to be spiritually charged by dangerous immaterial forest spirits. When male performers wear the mask, they experience a dream sent by it that allows them to dance in the way the spirit intends. Size: 6" W x 9.4" H (15.2 cm x 23.9 cm); 12.8" H (32.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Dan masks have been documented as the embodiment of at least a dozen artistic personalities, however these forms are difficult to identify once the masks have been divorced from their performance contexts. In performance, the masks are integrated into the hierarchical system that governs political and religious life.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Florida, USA collection

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#176681

Light surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice patina throughout. Liberal remains of pigment around eyes.