African Tribal Art - Dan Mask

Ex-private Belgian Mercier collection.

Among African masks from Ivory Coast, Dan masks come in relatively similar variations. The details that differentiate them lie in the shape of the eyes, the mouth and the headdress. The "zapkei ge" are specially responsible for preventing fires by watching over domestic fires. For the Dan, also known as the Yacouba, who reside in western Ivory Coast and Liberia, the "dü" force that animates the world is said to manifest through the sculpted masks. This is how she seeks to bring knowledge to man in order to offer him support, using the channel of dreams as a means of communication. The spirits then indicate how to name the mask they wish to see made. These masks, of various types, are endowed with social, spiritual and political functions, often evolving over time.

The tribal art collection comes from Guy Mercier, a consultant for the Solvay group, who began his collection at the beginning of the 20th century. During his work in West and Central Africa, he acquired works there. However, the bulk of his collection came from the "curiosity cabinets" that were popular in European capitals during the 1920s. Additionally, he acquired pieces from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. This collection was then entrusted to Mr. Jean Charles Mercier, the grandson of Guy Mercier.

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