Dan Mask, Côte d’Ivoire

Description of Significance:

This antique Dan Mask is from the Dan people, primarily located in west Côte d'Ivoire. Unlike many African masks that depict the spirits of the wilderness, Dan masks embody the spirits themselves. Each mask, crafted from wood, possesses a distinct personality, complete with preferences, dance and speech patterns, and even a personal name. Accompanied by an elaborate full-body costume made of raffia, feathers, and fur, the mask is more than an artifact; it is an active participant in ceremonies. Wearers of the mask are believed to adopt these attributes during the masquerade, channeling the spirit from the enigmatic, dark forest. Given the unpredictable nature of these spirits, masqueraders are always accompanied by an attendant who helps control the spirit and interpret its words.

Origin:

• Handcrafted for ceremonial use in Côte d'Ivoire

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 12''
• Width: 8''
• Height: 5''

Materials: 

• Indigenous wood
• Textile
• Shell
• Paint and stain
• Metal details

Display:

• Custom Base: The piece includes the custom base metal included in the photos. 
• Please let us know if you are interested in a different display option.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing the artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa  is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. 

Shipping:

• Shipped with FedEx Ground: $45
• A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.