Mask - Dan - Côte d’Ivoire

AFRICAN MASK DAN - MALE TYPE (BUGLE / ZAKPAI)
Origin: Côte d'Ivoire / 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 sculpted in hard wood, deep black patina from long use
- Scarifications engraved on the forehead (parallel lines)
- Round eyes pierced, contours darkened by the patina of wear
- Frontal crest in carved wood, adorned with cowries
- Headdress in dark textile, hand-sewn, adorned with cowries
- Chin strap in cushions of old fabric, hand-sewn
- Tuft of authentic guinea fowl feathers on top
- Plant fibers and original stitching

STYLISTIC FEATURES
- Elongated face with strong masculine features
- Domed forehead bearing ritual scarifications
- Fine straight nasal bridge
- Slightly open mouth with prominent lips
- Exceptional patina of use, deep shine of the wood
- Back reversed worn and polished by wear (sign of actual use in dance)

CONDITION
- Very good overall condition considering age
- Homogeneous and ancient patina
- Peripheral fixing holes visible on the reverse (evidence of real use in dance)
- Cowries all present
- Guinea fowl feathers in place, slightly fragile (normal for age)
- Ancient textile partially frayed by time
- Some micro peripheral chips coherent with antiquity

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

TRADITIONAL FUNCTION
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 the link with the forest spirits and conferred spiritual authority on the wearer.

Authentic collectible piece, ideal for enthusiasts of African art.

"Shipping possible from May 15"