Dan - Liberia

This ancient mask was acquired by Kibabi from a missionary in Liberia. The wooden mask
is entirely surrounded by a crown of Venetian millefiori (used as currency in Africa, like cowrie shells).
The upper part is brightly coloured and the lower part is matt. The eyes with protruding eyelids are influenced by Ngéré.
The eyebrows are skin with hairs. The eyebrows are made of leather with hair.
The nose is straight with a delicate curve. The mouth is slightly open, showing the teeth (human)
in a slight smile. There is a slight crest from the end of the nose to the end of the forehead. At
the bottom of the millefiori crown are four antique handmade bells. The headdress
is made of fabric with sewn-on coloured glass beads. The wood has a brown patina
with a matte sheen. The ensemble gives the impression of great dignity and majesty.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert-Kibabi, Belgium
Argiles Collection, Barcelona