Mask from the Dan culture. Ivory Coast, 20th century

Mask from the Dan culture. Ivory Coast, 20th century.
Wood.
Measurements: 27 x 17 x 9 cm.

Dan mask with an oval profile, featuring large circular openwork eyes accentuated by arched eyebrows in relief, a straight and well-proportioned nose, and a large, slightly open mouth.
The Dan people inhabit an area stretching from northwestern Liberia to northwestern Ivory Coast, moving between forested regions and savanna, as they rely on agriculture, hunting, and fishing for their livelihood. They were known for the ferocity of their warriors and their desire to gain prestige. One of their core concepts is “tin”—prestige or success—which gives rise to a strict hierarchy and a marked individualism. They have their own belief system, featuring a strong presence of guardian deities of nature.