Masque Deangle - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire

Sold with its high-end pedestal. Height: 38 cm with base.

Exceptional Dan mask with a dark patina bearing traces of wear and handling.


Work performed for 16 seconds.











The Dan masks, also called Gle or Ge masks, are one of the most emblematic cultural treasures of West Africa, particularly in Ivory Coast and Liberia. These masks, carved with remarkable precision and sensitivity, embody far more than a simple artistic object: they are the reflection of a deep spirituality, a social tradition, and an intimate connection with the invisible.
Origin and Meaning
Dan masks are traditionally used during ritual ceremonies, often linked to the secret Poro society or to important events such as initiations, funerals, or harvests. They represent spirits or ancestors, serving as a bridge between the world of the living and the realm of supernatural forces. Each mask is unique, bearing an energy and a history specific to the community that uses it.



Symbolism and Social Function
Dan masks are not mere decorative objects: they play an active role in community life. They can embody protective spirits, benevolent ancestors, or forces of nature. During ceremonies, the dancer who wears the mask becomes the vessel of the spirit he represents, entering into a trance to convey messages, ease conflicts, or bless the harvests.
The Deangle mask, for example, is associated with beauty and grace, while the Gunyege mask embodies strength and protection. Each type of mask has its own personality and its own function in the ritual.
A living heritage
Today, the Dan masks continue to fascinate collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. They are displayed in major museums, such as the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. However, their true value lies in their traditional use, where they remain sacred objects, charged with meaning and power.
As one contemplates a Dan mask, one does not see merely a work of art, but an open door to a rich cosmogony, where art, spirituality, and daily life are one.


Introduction to our expertise firm

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.

We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

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