For your consideration is an authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a Zoomorphic forest spirit mask from the Dan tribe
Dan People of Western Africa, today's border region between Northwestern Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. The Dan are a Mande ethnic group, who inhabit the region since at least the 8th century. Before that, the group migrated from the north (today's Mali/Guinea border), and was gradually pushed south of the Nimba mountain range into the deep forest regions, neighboring the Krahn, Wee and Grebo ethnic groups. The Dan are known throughout history as fierce warriors, with numerous examples of their bravery and courage in historical sources. They were mostly pacified by the newly-formed Liberian government in the late 19th century, though they are still known in the country with the derogatory exonym Gio (meaning "slave" in the Bassa language). In Cote d'Ivoire, the Dan people are known as Yacouba (or Yakouba)
Rendered in a local hardwood, carved from a single large piece of heavy wood with a dark black finish, with Kaolin used for the white pigments. Iron loop up top, possibly added later for display
Displays a zoomorph male human face with a double crocodile mouth. Six stylized Antelope horns in an alternating pattern at the forehead. Triangular-iris, pierced eyes, deep set under the brow within the five alternating semi-circular and triangular flanges of the face - representing the cheeks, nose and skullbones
The mouth is an agape double-crocodile muzzle, with two symmetrical elongated oval forms and carved teeth, pigmented in white Kaolin. They point downwards from the male face
Note the exaggerated human forms and the blending with those of the animal
There are at least 11 known different types of masks (Gle or Ge) worn by the Dan tribe, with various functions and associated spirituality. In Dan culture, masks are very spiritually charged, sacred, and are considered the most important of Dan art forms. Masks are physical representations of immaterial forest spirits, who manifest themselves in dreams to the sculptors that create them, and later, again through dreams, teach the mask bearer (a male, known as Gle-zo) to perform the associated ritual
This mask is a representation of Kagle spirits. Kagle are "troublemakers" who disrupt the village with their aggressive behavior and erratic movement. Kagle masks symbolize chaos, the brutal force of the bush - the unknown and savage non-human creatures that come from the deep forest. The Kagle troublemaker has many functions in Dan society - it is a test to the solidity of the village's social institutions, with it's disruptive performance serving to teach the value of order and discipline through negative example
A striking piece, exhibiting the characteristic motifs and style of the Gle mask art of the Dan people. This type of mask is exclusive to the tribe, and this piece in particular is a superb example of Kagle
Note the nose indentation carved inside - this mask was made for ritual use, and not for decorative purposes
Dan People, Liberia/Cote d'Ivoire, Western Africa - late 19th/early 20th century
Tagged on the inside with a barcode tag by the previous owner, the prestigious Gordon B. Lankton Collection
References: The Tribal Arts of Africa - Jean-Baptiste Bacquart (2002); Die Kunst der Dan - Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber (1976); Dan Face Mask - Art Institute of Chicago (ref. 1964.1101) (https://www.artic.edu/artworks/22281/face-mask); Face Mask (Kagle) - Dan - Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1979.206.219) (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312419); Dorotheum Gallery, Vienna, Austria - Lot 26 of 24.03.2014 Tribal Art sale (https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/3984589/)
Provenance: The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art
This and all African artifacts we sell are 100% guaranteed to be Genuine, Authentic and Antique, NOT modern reproductions or souvenirs made for the tourist trade. We will provide provenance whenever possible, and a Certificate of Authenticity from our gallery can be attached upon buyer request PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS!
Measurements: Approx. 19" high (48 cm) x 8" (20 cm) x 7" (18 cm)
Weighs about 6 lbs.
Condition: Please see photos below. All original. Some natural splits in the wood, particularly on the right side of the face at the crocodile mouth joint, and at the forehead. A flake on one of the stylized antelope horn ornaments of the forehead. Superb original patina, developed over time.
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imeon ✉️ (7,870) 100%,
Location: Spring, Texas, US,
Ships to: WORLDWIDE,
Item: 373359724911
= Antique African DAN Liberia Côte d’Ivoire KAGLE Crocodile Zoomorph Mask GIO. 
