Impressive Dancemask - hardwood and various materials - Oubi /Weh - Ivory Coast

Impressive Dancemask – Oubi /Weh – Ivory Coast In fine state but very long used. It dates to the second quarter of the 20th century. On stand. Delivery only within the EU Provenance: Ex- collection of André van Ghendt, Brussels. Obtained from him by H. Westerdijk in around 1970. This classic warmask is a powerhouse stored with energy and aggression. Its tubular eyes and open mouth filled with teeth are menacing enough in themselves. Its fringe is made up of various ingredients from the vegetal world and the animal kingdom fixed to the wood with leather, cloth and mud. Such masks were danced before an attack on the enemy was due to whip up the spirit of the warriors to boiling point so as to make them ready for battle. Fine old interior with abundant traces of wear and tear. Literature: François Neyt: Trésors de Côte d’Ivoire, Brussels, 2014, pp. 28ff. Dimensions: 37 x 29 x 15 cm. People / Region: The Oubi and Weh (Wè) live in the southwest of the Ivory Coast. Material: hardwood and various materials. Weight: 1. 7 kg. Sold with handwritten declaration of authenticity by Dr. P. Westerdijk, museum ethnologist and cultural anthropologist specialized, for over 50 years now, in the study of the material cultures in African nations that live south of the Sahara.