Dan Mano Mask . Ivory Coast .. African Art .

CÔTE D'IVOIRE early 20th - wood - H. 23cm provenance: old Swedish collection ..

from the colonial period several Dan sub-groups have been identified such as the Dan-Mano located on the borders of the Ivory Coast and from Liberia . this Dan mask expresses a beautiful raw dimension, even an archaic side . considered a dance mask, this mask was worn mainly by the person playing the role of intermediary between the village and the initiation camp . this wooden model covered with a dark patina reflects a beautiful presence . the face features scarifications . its forehead is divided by a vertical rib that extends to the nasal bridge . under the almond-shaped eyes, marks appear to underline the importance of the gaze. the nose is protruding . the mouth is slightly ajar .