This Dan mask from the Man region in western Côte d'Ivoire belongs to one of West Africa's most diverse mask traditions. Within Dan societies, masks were understood as embodiments of supernatural beings that appeared during initiations, judicial gatherings, dances, and communal rituals. Their appearance combined artistic virtuosity with a symbolic language that fully revealed its impact only through the interplay of mask, costume, movement, and music. Incl stand. The defining feature of this mask is its extraordinary hairstyle. Braids plaited from raffia frame the face completely, transitioning almost seamlessly into an elaborately crafted beard that divides into numerous smaller braids. This intricate design provides the mask with a monumental frame and emphasizes its ritual character. The forehead is articulated by deeply carved horizontal grooves, interrupted by a vertical central line, lending the surface a powerful, rhythmic structure. The large, circular eye openings are each accompanied by four smaller perforations, giving the gaze a quality that appears both penetrating and supernatural. The small, projecting nose contrasts with the striking mouth; its full lips are slightly parted, revealing three square metal teeth. These metal inserts lend the face an impressive expressiveness and may signify special spiritual potency or the mask's high status. The glossy patina, along with minor cracks and signs of wear, bears witness to its long history of use in ceremonial performances. Selected Bibliography Fischer, Eberhard: *Dan: Masks of the Ivory Coast*. Zurich, 1984. Himmelheber, Hans: *Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste*. Munich, 1964. Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: *Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste*. Zurich 1979. Harley, George W.: Masks as Agents of Social Control in Northeast Liberia. Cambridge, MA 1950. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington D.C. 1989. Informant: Bakari M*8*A*Z*1*6*5*6*3* The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.