Dan mask from Ivory Coast. Piece over 30 years old. Delivered on base.
The Dan are a sub-tribe belonging to the Dan-Nguere. They inhabit eastern Liberia, Guinea Conakry and Ivory Coast. The social and spiritual base of the Dan-Nguere is the Poro secret society, which in Temmé means “sierra”. Dan-Nguere masks are characterized as much by their varieties, as by the fact that the same type of mask can be used in different areas for different purposes. Female Dan masks are known for the importance they attribute to the beauty of the face: the oval shape, the slightly prominent forehead, the torn eyes, the thin nose and the half-open mouth. They enhance the finesse of its lines with a brilliant patina introduced into the wood, using vegetable substances. When they dry, they take on a soft color, which with use resembles lacquer. The function of these masks is to resolve disagreements and protect newborns. The Dan generally make replicas of these masks, which they call "ma", to revere them and as protection against disease. They remain hidden and serve as proof of belonging to Poro society, becoming almost sacred objects, honoring them with offerings of rice and palm oil, and sacrifices during periods of full moon. The face of male Dan masks is more realistic, and sometimes with animal details. He has the vital force, called "du", sent by Zlan the creator to men and animals. There are many “du”s, and they tell people in dreams how they want to be represented. Sometimes they want a fetish, or a tree to be planted, but they may also request a mask to reside. Then, the spirit materializes and transforms into a "gle", and it can intervene directly in the life of the community. Each “gle” has its function, and presides over the different social events. They are also present in moments of danger or distraction. This is why there is a wide variety of Dan masks.