Dan Export Market Mask with Straw, Ivory Coast/Liberia

Antiques > Ethnography Dealer: Hawley Antique Exchange Contact: Thomas Morrow - Email Dealer
Price: $185.00 USD  - Currency Converter Shipping inside United States: Quoted at time of purchase Shipping outside United States: Quoted at time of purchase

Description: This is a mid-century Dan mask made for the tourist trade. It is a full head Dan mask embellished with cowrie shells (now banned from import in this country) and used in initiation ceremonies. The shells are sewn onto plaited straw and beads are sewn onto a burlap fabric base with heavy string. The straw is gathered at the top like a top knot. Dan masks would have been used during initiation ceremonies and are made and worn exclusively by initiated males of the Poro society. Each mask is unique and serves to protect the young initiate against destructive or evil forces from the time of initiation until the day he enters the spirit realm. The mask measures 15� from chin to top of knot and 11� from bottom of decorated cloth to knot. It opens up to 11�. There is some loss of beads (seeds) and shells. Please note: I include postage, insurance and delivery confirmation in the final cost of the item.

Status: For Sale	Reference#: LR71683
Condition: good	Year: 1950's
Country: Ivory Coast/Liberia
Height: 15 in. (38.10 cm)
Weight: 3.5
Title: Dan Export Market Mask with Straw, Ivory Coast/Liberia
Materials: qwood cowrie shell straw

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