Dan Mask – Ivory Coast

Dan Mask – Ivory Coast
Dance mask with an intense expression accentuated by half-closed eyes and an open mouth showing teeth. Wood, old brown patina, localized polychromy, marks of internal use.
The Dan live in the west of Ivory Coast, but also in Liberia. Also called Yacouba, they have a powerful initiatory society, that of the Leopard. Dan masks, of various styles, generally occur during very theatrical entertainment festivals where women play a leading role.
The so-called “mocking” mask called Déanglé defines an ideal of beauty and benevolence because it is sculpted in honor of the young girls of the village or renowned men.
REGION: Ivory Coast
MATERIAL: Wood
PERIOD: 20th century
DIMENSION: 22 x 11.5 cm

(Base)
inventory number: AF043