Dan Mask, Côte d'Ivoire

deangle
height of mask 10in (25.4cm)

Provenance
Pace Primitive and Ancient Art, New York
Aguedo Hernandez Herrero Collection, Mexico City, acquired from the above in 1982
Thence by descent

This deangle mask, used for the masquerades in the circumcision camps, is boldly carved with very expressionistic features, including clearly defined high cheekbones framing the slit, coffee-bean eyes, a prominent straight nose with flaring nostrils and a protruding open mouth inset with metal teeth. The border with a band of incised linear decoration and two metal ears inserted at the rim; a vegetable fiber coiffure attached to the top with two, approximately 30in (76cm) long, black and white striped fiber banners attached to each side; fine semi-glossy dark brown patina.