Dan We Guere Mask Topped with Monkey Couple Figures Liberia Africa


Dan We Guere Mask Topped with Monkey Couple Figures  Liberia Africa

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Dan We Guere Mask Topped with Monkey Couple Figures Liberia Africa:
$860.00


TitleDan We Guere Mask Topped with Monkey Couple Figures Liberia AfricaType of ObjectMasksCountry of OriginCote d\'Ivoire, LiberiaPeopleDan / We , Wee, GuereMaterialsWood, reeds, studs, pigment, vegetal fibers, cotton clothApproximate AgeSecond half 20th centuryDimensions21 inches H. x 8.5 inches W. x 10 inches D. Overall Conditiongood.   Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.Damage/Repairworn patina, shallow cracks in places, scratches, chips

Additional Information:

An powerful mask with a highly expressive face with bulging forehead, a large open mouth with teeth and  with reeds around the carved  beard, with beads and cotton cloth.  This fascinating  powerful mask comes from the We, Dan or Kran peoples. Masks of this type are also found among the Dan people. The present mask features a chimpanzee-like face with very fearsome details including a domed forehead, concave face , and the large  tubular open mouth.The two monkey figures on the top add to the dramatic expression of this offered mask.

This well-used example of We, Dan or Kran masks a is in an  interesting piece with a strong symbolism. Its very uniqueness combined with its size and quality of carving argues for a place in a major collection for it is a rare and unique example .The  mask shows signs of long use and excellent age. The masks of the We and Kran and their relatives, the Dan, continue to fascinate art-lovers around the world. This  is a powerful mask that will be well placed in a collection.  This mask belongs to the category of  Kaogle and was traditionally associated with warfare. It was also used for judicial and educational ceremonies. Kaogle mask was also used as a dancing mask that served a number of functions in the Poro secret society. Masks like this are referred to as spirits. Today, like most masks still being produced in this territory, they are used primarily for the entertainment of both villagers and tourists.

 

Recommended Reading: G. Schwab: \"Tribes of the Liberian Hinterland,\" ed. G. W. Harley, Papers Peabody Museum, Archaeology & Ethnology, xxxi (Cambridge, MA, 1947) W. Siegmann and Cynthia Schmidt, \"Rock of the Ancestors,\" (Suacoco, 1977) E. Fischer and Hans Himmelheber: \"The Arts of the Dan in West Africa,\" (Zurich, 1984) E. Fischer “Dan Forest Spirits: Masks in Dan Villages”, African Arts, II, no. 2, 1978. pp. 16-23, 94 B. C. Johnson: \"Four Dan Sculptors: Continuity and Change,\" (San Francisco, 1986)

 

I have examined this piece and agree with the description
Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.

 

**91772**

All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006


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Dan We Guere Mask Topped with Monkey Couple Figures Liberia Africa:
$860.00

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