African Tribal Art - Dan Mask

Former Belgian private collection.

Base piece, height on base = 52 cm.

Among the most emblematic African masks, this mask from Ivory Coast stands out among the eleven types of dan masks according to Fisher and Himmelheber, thanks to its circularly hollowed out eyes, thus offering better vision. These masks, known as "gunye ge" or "running masks", are characterized by an oval face, slightly concave in the center, and were made by the Northern Dan for the purpose of participating in racing events. The "zapkei", for their part, intervene to prevent the spread of domestic fires during dry seasons. Armed with a wand, they threaten careless women and confiscate an object as a fine. The objects in this collection were acquired by Guy Mercier, consultant for the Solvay group, who undertook at the beginning of the 20th century to assemble a vast collection of African tribal art. While traveling in West and Central Africa as part of his work, and collecting works in situ, the majority of his collection nevertheless comes from “cabinets of curiosity” which abounded in European capitals during the years. 1920. In addition, it was enriched by acquisitions from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. Following the death of his grandfather in the early 1980s, Jean-Charles Mercier inherited this vast collection of primitive art in its entirety.

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity. PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.tribal-art-gallery.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT INCLUDES LOSS, THEFT, BROKENAGE INSURANCE.