“deangle” Dan Mask, Ivory Coast

Black lacquered mask presenting an ovoid face with thin fine-shaped eyes, a sloping nose, slightly flared nostrils and a half-open diamond-shaped mouth. The rounded forehead is separated by a median line which joins the nasal bridge. The cheekbones are prominent and contribute greatly to the delicate contouring of the face. This type of mask is called “deangle”. During initiation ceremonies, he serves as an intermediary between the village and the place of initiation, between the visible and the invisible. On this type of mask, we often find the middle edge which symbolizes the junction of these two worlds.
Black lacquered wood with a beautiful patina of use. Some lack of wear on the internal part of the mask. An old collection label is stuck to the back of the mask; it bears the words “Canton of Yati Seu Gbanké (1 small racing mask)”.
Dimensions: 21.6 x 11.4 cm
Dan people, Man region, Ivory Coast
First third of the 20th century
Provenance: ex-Peter Arnovick collection, San Francisco, California, USA.
Sold with its base