Mask - Gagon - Dan - Côte d'Ivoire
This powerful Dan/Guerzé mask is a "gagon" singing mask, characterized by its bird-like beak nose. Serving as entertainment masks during the day, singing masks battle malevolent beings at night and provide protection for the village. As typical for this type of mask, the sides are adorned with parallel scarification lines. The round eyes are encircled with aluminum. The upper jaw is covered with animal skin, likely from a monkey. The lower jaw is articulated. A sanctification nail is present on the forehead, which also once served to attach adornments. The wood is very dense and exhibits a beautiful shiny black patina. This mask stands out for its exquisite volumes and quality craftsmanship, particularly the strength of the nose and the nearly perfect symmetry.
Total height with stand 57 cm.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
This powerful Dan/Guerzé mask is a "gagon" singing mask, characterized by its bird-like beak nose. Serving as entertainment masks during the day, singing masks battle malevolent beings at night and provide protection for the village. As typical for this type of mask, the sides are adorned with parallel scarification lines. The round eyes are encircled with aluminum. The upper jaw is covered with animal skin, likely from a monkey. The lower jaw is articulated. A sanctification nail is present on the forehead, which also once served to attach adornments. The wood is very dense and exhibits a beautiful shiny black patina. This mask stands out for its exquisite volumes and quality craftsmanship, particularly the strength of the nose and the nearly perfect symmetry.
Total height with stand 57 cm.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
