Vintage Mid-Century Dan-Style African Mask
Hand-Carved Wood • Cowrie Shells • Raffia • Mixed Media
Large and highly decorative vintageDan-style African mask, believed by experts consulted to date to themid-20th century.
This substantial mixed-media piece combines a hand-carved wooden face with an elaborate surround incorporatingnumerous cowrie shells, raffia/natural fiber, textile and projecting carved wooden elements.
The central face has narrow slit eyes, a prominent forehead and nose, and a dramatic projecting lower facial element with remnants of reddish pigmentation. Cowrie shells are arranged throughout the arched surround, including clustered and floral-like patterns.
Dense brown raffia/natural fiber flanks the lower face, while numerous projecting carved wooden elements create a dramatic radiating silhouette.
The reverse reveals much of the original construction, including the carved mask opening, layered textile/fiber-covered components, attachment holes and extensive hand stitching/lacing.
This is alarge, substantial piece weighing more than four pounds.
Approx. Measurements
- Height:Approx. 17 1/2"
- Width:Approx. 7"
- Depth/Length:Approx. 12 1/2"
- Weight:Approx.4 lbs. 2.3 oz.
Measurements are approximate.
Materials & Construction
Visible materials and construction include:
- Hand-carved wood
- Cowrie shells
- Raffia / coarse natural plant fiber
- Textile/fabric
- Projecting carved wooden elements
- Hand stitching/lacing
- Dark applied finish/pigmentation
- Remnants of reddish pigmentation
Age, Attribution & Use
According to experts consulted regarding this piece, the mask is believed to date to themid-20th centuryand isDan style, drawing upon West African mask traditions associated with the Dan and neighboring peoples of Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire.
The experts also indicated that this particular piece wasmade for the market rather than for ceremonial use.
It is therefore being offered as avintage mid-century Dan-style African decorative/collector maskand isnot represented as an authenticated ceremonially used ethnographic mask.
The individual artist/carver, exact date and precise country of manufacture are unknown.
Detailed Condition
This is an older mixed-material object with considerable age and display wear
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