Mask - Dan - Côte d’Ivoire

Dan Deangle Mask - Ivory Coast / Liberia - Wood, cowries, textile - Functional bells

Full description
AFRICAN MASK DAN DEANGLE
Origin: Ivory Coast / Liberia (border region)
People: Dan (Yacouba)
Estimated period: mid to second half of the 20th century

DIMENSIONS
- Total height: 37 cm
- Width: ~30 cm
- Depth: ~10 cm

MATERIALS
- Face carved in hard wood, deep dark patina
- Padded textile red and brown headdress, hand-sewn
- Cowries (shells) decor arranged in rosettes and borders
- Two hollow wooden spheres forming functional bells
(seeds/stone inside, sound audible when moved)

STYLISTIC FEATURES
- Oval face with fine, idealized features
- Bulging forehead, straight nasal bridge
- Round pierced eyes (Deangle type - female “pacifier” mask)
- Slightly open mouth with full lips
- Old patina of wear, natural wood sheen

CONDITION
- Good condition, natural wear consistent with age and ceremonial use
- Even, ancient patina
- Original stitching intact
- All cowries present
- Functional bells

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

TRADITIONAL FUNCTION
The Deangle mask embodies the idealized female beauty among the Dan. Used during initiation ceremonies (Poro camps), it had a pacifying and educational role. The bells announced its arrival and paced the ritual dance.

Decorative and collectible piece, ideal for the connoisseur of African art.

"Shipping possible from May 15"