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A Superb Dan Mask, Ivory Coast
描述
來源
Acquired from the above, 1970s
展覽
出版
Mary H. Nooter, Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, Munich, 1993, cat. 68, p. 149
拍品資料及來源
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.