African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells And Bells From The Ivory Coast 1970s

African tribal art - Dan Yakuba mask - Age: last third of the 20th century. Magnificent Dan mask of the "Tanglalé" type, originating from the west of the Ivory Coast. The room has many high quality ornaments. Relatively large mask with impressive volumes. Weight: approx. 1.770 kg

African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s
Female wooden mask with rich decoration of textile elements, small shells and ceramic beads.
The mouth, nose and eyes are highlighted and a carved band runs across the forehead.
Height with black metal stand 65cm

"The Dan (or Yacuba)
This people of farmers live in the mountainous regions of the tree-covered savannahs in the west of the Ivory Coast near the towns of Man and Danane, but also in the neighboring regions of Liberia. They are estimated to number around 350000, of which 270000 live in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. They speak a language derived from that of the Mandé group and are therefore regarded as >the Mandé of the Southgreat mask< (go ge), through which the influential go federation, which fulfills judicial and peacemaking tasks, expresses its authority. On the other hand, this type of mask belongs to the boys' circumcision camp. These guardian masks (deangle), which serve as mediators between the camp and the village, are often characterized by an eye area painted with kaolin clay, which can also be seen on women during ritual celebrations. This white color is a symbol of joy, but also symbolizes the world of the ancestors."