Mask – Wood – Dan, Bell, Cauri – Ivory Coast

Powerfull Dan Kran mask in a very expressive design.
Masks of the KRAN tribe are clearly identified by the three angular cheekbones. These type of masks were worn by men during ritual dances.
Good condition with a beautiful aged patina on the wood.

The border between Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia cuts across several ethnic groups, including the Dan, Wee, Kran, and Grebo. In Dan society, dangerous immaterial forest spirits are translated into the forms of human face masks. Whether or not they are worn, such sculptures are spiritually charged. Male performers, gle-zo, experience a dream sent by the mask spirit that allows them to dance it. In performance, the masks are integrated into the hierarchical system that governs political and religious life.
Dan masks have been documented as the embodiment of at least a dozen artistic personalities.

Provenance: former private German collection.

Object	Mask
Ethnic group:	Dan Kran
Country:	Ivory Coast
Material:	Wood, Bells, Cauri shells, Beads
Estimated period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	3219×10 cm
Weight:	1400 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear