Lot 16

A Superb Dan Mask, Ivory Coast

Estimate

40,000 - 60,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

of delicate proportions, the female face with an elaborate braided coiffure of fiber attached to the upper portion; exceptionally fine varied honey-brown patina.

Provenance

Barry Kitnick - Gallery 'K,' Los Angeles
Acquired from the above, 1970s

Exhibited

New York, The Museum for African Art, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, February 13 - August 22, 1993 (for additional venues see bibliography, Nooter 1993)

Literature

Mary H. Nooter, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, Munich, 1993, cat. 68, p. 149

Catalogue Note

This particularly delicate mask of lenticular shape with round eyes is a classic example of the work of the Northern Dan. The parallel scarification marks encircling the facial plane give the mask particular depth and elegance. For a similar treatment of the face see Fischer and Himmelheber (1984: figs. 48 and 49). Various Dan masks such as zakpei, the mask used in the fire-prevention masquerade, or gunyege, the mask used in the racing masquerade, have large round eyeholes. However, neither of these masks has a coiffure as elaborate as the Stanoff mask. The elaborate headdress suggests this may be the go mask known as goge. For further discussion cf. Barbier (1993: 136-7, fig. 145). Both the quality of the carving and the exceptional preservation of the headdress make this mask one of the best of its kind.