Impressive Kran Portage Mask - Côte d'Ivoire
04
days
23
hours
17
minutes
12
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 950 - € 1,050
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 138800 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Impressive Kran Portage Mask from Côte d'Ivoire, a 47 cm high, 28 cm deep sculpture weighing 1500 g, in good condition and sold without a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Kran Masks: Context, Typology, and Function
The Kran (also closely related to the We/Guere and Dan-Gere complex) inhabit the dense forest borderlands between southeastern Liberia and southwestern Côte d'Ivoire, particularly along the Cavally River basin. While geographically adjacent to the Dan, Kran masquerade aesthetics diverge dramatically from the serene, idealized naturalism of classic Dan deangle or tankagle forms.
Key Visual & Typological Characteristics
Aggressive Abstraction: Kran masks feature heavy, geometric, and deliberately menacing forms designed to instill awe and authority. Protruding Tubular Eyes & Snout: The eyes frequently project outward as massive cylinders, paired with an exaggerated, open, or beak-like jaw structure. Complex Composite Materials: Unlike smooth-finished masks, Kran masks are often heavily adorned with applied elements: Animal Horns & Teeth: Real or carved wooden teeth, along with monkey skulls or horn attachments along the crown. Fibrous & Organic Accoutrements: Heavy raffia skirts, animal pelts, leather, and accumulated ritual encrustations.
Cultural Function & Spiritual Purpose
Vessels for Forest Spirits (Nmu): Kran masks are not static representations or mere theatrical props; they are active material conduits for powerful, untamed bush spirits.
Judicial and Warrior Authority: Historically used by male secret societies (Poro or regional equivalents) to enforce customary law, settle intra-village disputes, and prepare men for warfare. The aggressive features directly reflect the unyielding, punitive power of the spirit when maintaining social order.
Protection and Crisis Management: The mask appears during major community crises, funerals of prominent elders, or boundary disputes, operating as a spiritual shield against malice and witchcraft.
Dimensions
47 cm height, 28 cm depth
Kran Masks: Context, Typology, and Function
The Kran (also closely related to the We/Guere and Dan-Gere complex) inhabit the dense forest borderlands between southeastern Liberia and southwestern Côte d'Ivoire, particularly along the Cavally River basin. While geographically adjacent to the Dan, Kran masquerade aesthetics diverge dramatically from the serene, idealized naturalism of classic Dan deangle or tankagle forms.
Key Visual & Typological Characteristics
Aggressive Abstraction: Kran masks feature heavy, geometric, and deliberately menacing forms designed to instill awe and authority. Protruding Tubular Eyes & Snout: The eyes frequently project outward as massive cylinders, paired with an exaggerated, open, or beak-like jaw structure. Complex Composite Materials: Unlike smooth-finished masks, Kran masks are often heavily adorned with applied elements: Animal Horns & Teeth: Real or carved wooden teeth, along with monkey skulls or horn attachments along the crown. Fibrous & Organic Accoutrements: Heavy raffia skirts, animal pelts, leather, and accumulated ritual encrustations.
Cultural Function & Spiritual Purpose
Vessels for Forest Spirits (Nmu): Kran masks are not static representations or mere theatrical props; they are active material conduits for powerful, untamed bush spirits.
Judicial and Warrior Authority: Historically used by male secret societies (Poro or regional equivalents) to enforce customary law, settle intra-village disputes, and prepare men for warfare. The aggressive features directly reflect the unyielding, punitive power of the spirit when maintaining social order.
Protection and Crisis Management: The mask appears during major community crises, funerals of prominent elders, or boundary disputes, operating as a spiritual shield against malice and witchcraft.
Dimensions
47 cm height, 28 cm depth
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Impressive Kran Portage Mask
Height
47 cm
Depth
28 cm
Weight
1500 g
Sold by
