Dan (Liberia or Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa). Face mask in the form of a hornbill. Wood and fiber. Height: 12-1/2 inches. ...

Description

Dan (Liberia or Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa)
Face mask in the form of a hornbill
Wood and fiber
Height: 12-1/2 inches

The Dan people of Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire have a complex masking tradition. Ethnographers have identified about a dozen different characters in the pantheon of Dan masks representing different aspects of life as well as spirits. One of the most popular characters among Dan is the hornbill bird. The hornbill was created by the principal Dan deity before the earth was even formed. The bird is also associated with palm nuts which are used by the Dan people as cooking fuel. When performed, the dancer moves gracefully in order to simulate flying.

Typical of the aesthetics of the Dan people, this mask has a gentle curving shape with delicate, serene features. The upper portion of the head is human but transforms into the long beak of a hornbill below the nose. This mask has an unusually large back which would have completely obscured the face of the masker. The performer also covers his body with an enveloping garment therefore making him unidentifiable to others. The mask was well used, and is in good condition.


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