Dan mask - Ivory Coast - Lot 103

Dan mask - Ivory Coast Dance mask with intense expression accentuated by half-closed eyes and open mouth showing teeth. Wood, old brown patina, localized polychromy, internal signs of use. The Dan live in western Côte d'Ivoire, but also in Liberia. Also called Yacouba, they have a powerful initiation society, that of the Leopard. Dan masks, of varied construction, are generally performed during highly theatrical entertainment festivals, in which women play a predominant role. The "mocking" mask known as Déanglé defines an ideal of beauty and benevolence, as it is sculpted in honor of young village girls or renowned men. REGION : Ivory Coast MATERIAL : Wood TIME: 20th century DIMENSION : 22 x 11.5 cm