DAN ARTIST
Bird Mask, Ivory Coast, late 19th–early 20th century
Wood, leather, metal
h. 27.3 cm
10 3/4 in.
10 3/4 in.
$ 7,000 | € 6,500 | £ 5,500
This mask, carved by the Dan people of the Ivory coast, is dominated by a beak. Most likely representing a spirit of a forest bird, this mask was used as...
This mask, carved by the Dan people of the Ivory coast, is dominated by a beak. Most likely representing a spirit of a forest bird, this mask was used as protection for the community and to communicate the messages of the bush spirits to the villagers through dances. It was originally carved and danced as a wisdom mask and like in this example it often featured the addition of animal skin.
Provenance
Pace Primitive, New YorkPrivate Collection, New York