Mask - Dan - Côte d’Ivoire

AFRICAN MASK DAN - MALE TYPE (BUGLE / ZAKPAI)
Origin: Ivory Coast / Liberia (border region)
People: Dan (Yacouba)
Estimated period: mid-20th century, possibly earlier

DIMENSIONS
- Total height (with feathers): ~40 cm
- Height of the mask alone: ~32 cm
- Width: ~25 cm
- Depth: ~12 cm

MATERIALS
- Face carved in hard wood, deep black patina from long use
- Scarifications carved on the forehead (parallel lines)
- Round eyes pierced, outlines darkened by patina of use
- Frontal crest in carved wood, adorned with cowries
- Dark textile headdress hand-sewn, adorned with cowries
- Chin strap in old fabric pads, hand-sewn
- Cluster of authentic guinea fowl feathers at the top
- Plant fibers and original stitches

STYLISTIC CHARACTERISTICS
- Elongated face with clearly masculine features
- Domed forehead bearing ritual scarifications
- Fine, straight nasal bridge
- Mouth slightly open with protruding lips
- Exceptional patina of use, deep wood luster
- Worn and polished reverse from wear (real use in dance)

CONDITION
- Very good overall for its age
- Uniform, ancient patina
- Peripheral fixing holes visible on the reverse (evidence of real use in dance)
- All cowries present
- Guinea fowl feathers in place, slightly fragile (normal for age)
- Old textile partially frayed by time
- A few peripheral micro-splits consistent with antiquity

PROVENANCE
Private purchase in France.
No modern restoration, no industrial varnish.

TRADITIONAL FUNCTION
The Dan male masks of the Bugle or Zakpai type played an active social role: village policing, protection against fires, appearances during funeral or initiation ceremonies. The guinea fowl feathers symbolized a link with forest spirits and granted the wearer spiritual authority.

Authentic collectible piece, ideal for a collector of African art.

"Shipping possible from May 15"