Antique mask from the early 1900s - With provenance - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
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Masque ancien début 1900 from Côte d'Ivoire, Dan culture, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire.
Description from the seller
Ancient mask, Dan culture, Côte d'Ivoire or Liberia. H.24 cm
Superb Dan or Kran mask from the early 20th century. Acquired from a well-known and reputable gallery in New York, the Galerie Fernandez Leventhal. What a presence for this ancient mask that has endured the ravages of time. It is eroded, but the main features are still there. The quality of the sculpture is undeniable; the sculptor was at the height of his craft.
This work exudes a powerful and primitive force. The gaze is deep, closed, and harsh. The mouth is threatening. You can see two small animal-like teeth as well as two long pieces of metal protruding from it. These metal additions pierce the inside of the lip and go up into the nose. This is a rare feature. The hard mouth accentuates the wild and dramatic aspect of this piece. Two pieces of metal are embedded in the center of the forehead. Its prominent forehead indicates Kran influence, a neighboring ethnic group. The holes around the mask are rectangular, characteristic of the oldest masks. Beautiful ancient patina, the back is also well patinated. Some minor damages and missing parts, which is natural for an old object that has lived. Custom-made base. Sold as is, see photos. A fine piece of ancient and authentic collection circa 1900/1930.
Provenance
- N. Gram Williams / G. Mennen Williams, Michigan, USA.
- Fernandez Leventhal Gallery, New York, USA.
The original purchase invoice from Galerie Fernandez Leventhal will be attached.
The mask will be provided with a sales invoice from Galerie L'Atelier in Toulouse.
Ancient mask, Dan culture, Côte d'Ivoire or Liberia. H.24 cm
Superb Dan or Kran mask from the early 20th century. Acquired from a well-known and reputable gallery in New York, the Galerie Fernandez Leventhal. What a presence for this ancient mask that has endured the ravages of time. It is eroded, but the main features are still there. The quality of the sculpture is undeniable; the sculptor was at the height of his craft.
This work exudes a powerful and primitive force. The gaze is deep, closed, and harsh. The mouth is threatening. You can see two small animal-like teeth as well as two long pieces of metal protruding from it. These metal additions pierce the inside of the lip and go up into the nose. This is a rare feature. The hard mouth accentuates the wild and dramatic aspect of this piece. Two pieces of metal are embedded in the center of the forehead. Its prominent forehead indicates Kran influence, a neighboring ethnic group. The holes around the mask are rectangular, characteristic of the oldest masks. Beautiful ancient patina, the back is also well patinated. Some minor damages and missing parts, which is natural for an old object that has lived. Custom-made base. Sold as is, see photos. A fine piece of ancient and authentic collection circa 1900/1930.
Provenance
- N. Gram Williams / G. Mennen Williams, Michigan, USA.
- Fernandez Leventhal Gallery, New York, USA.
The original purchase invoice from Galerie Fernandez Leventhal will be attached.
The mask will be provided with a sales invoice from Galerie L'Atelier in Toulouse.
