Description:

Ivory Coast, Dan culture, ca. early 20th century CE. A carved wooden mask in the form of a rather expressive bird with a complex openwork curved beak showing incised horizontal marks all along the central ridge of the upper mandible (or maxila) which elegantly meets the tip of the bifurcated lower mandible, cut circular eyes surrounded by protruding ring-like forms, a carved vertical depression, and three perforations at the temples and upper end of forehead for attachment or suspension. As is characteristic of most Dan masks, the face is concave with a high domed forehead, and rather than the usual pointed chin featured on human visages, the beak presents a pointed tip. A wonderful Dan mask, one of the most important forms of visual culture created by the Dan peoples, with gorgeous hues of russet, chocolate brown, and beige resulting perhaps from libations and earthen deposits, as well as a brilliant patina that has developed over the years. Size: 3.25" L x 5.5" W x 15.25" H (8.3 cm x 14 cm x 38.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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#112196

  • Condition: Intact with expected surface wear. Beautiful patina.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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