DAN, IVORY COAST
WOOD,SHELLS,METAL, PIGMENTS, HEIGHT 36CM, WITH AN EXTENSION “TAIL” OF 90CM
These important masks were only created by men who had been initiated into the Poro society. The masks are particularly prized and valued not only for their rarity and extensive and elaborate style but also for their high ritualistic importance. Only one is made for each village and preserved with that village for many generations. A common feature in Dan masks are the quite beautiful and serene facial features and expressions.