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Antique African Dan Tribal Mask Ivory Coast (Cowrie Shells, Horns, Metal & Textile)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,975.00 - 2,765.00 USD
Antique African Dan Tribal Mask Ivory Coast (Cowrie Shells, Horns, Metal & Textile)
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Carved Wood Mask w. Cowrie Shells, Animal Horns, Topknot Hair & Metal above the eyes. Bearded area are billowy cushions covered in painted textile material then finished with end-ties. The Dan (Yacuba) are from Liberia and have the reputation of being fierce warriors always battling their neighbor. Most of there masks are for the Secret Societies, Protection, and Rituals. The Go master possesses the masks and guards them in a sacred hut. All Dan masks are sacred. Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a protruding mouth, high-domed forehead and are often covered in a rich brown patina. There are a variety of Dan face masks, each of which has a different function. They believe that the world is animated by a force called Du and that this force is manifested as invisible spirits which take human or animal form and who channel communication with the high God Zlan. These spirits may be perceived via the carvings of the mask. Masks intensify and heighten the experience, whatever the intention of the wearer of the mask is. All the boys and girls of the same age-group undergo an initiation that includes, in addition to specific teaching, circumcision for the former and clitoridectomy for the latter. (Part of a Private Collector's Estate) 17.00x11.00x6.00 inches

Dimensions: 17.00x11.00x6.00 inches*
Weight: 2.50 lbs*
* (estimate/approximately)