Mask (Deangle)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks

Culture Dan

Dateearly 20th Century

Made AtLiberia, Africa

Collection SiteGanta, Liberia, Africa

MediumWood, metal and pigment

Dimensions10 1/2 × 6 1/2 × 2 1/2 in. (26.7 × 16.5 × 6.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Dendel Family Trust

Object number2013.24.2

DescriptionThe Dan are a people from North East Liberia. Masks are the dominant form of artwork that has been linked to the Dan people. These art forms are idealized portraits which display recognizable human characteristics. Spirituality plays a huge role in the creation of masks among these people; spirits inhabit living tribe members to ‘dance the spirit’ while wearing a mask and other decorative elements that embody the spirit. The dark patina of sculptures from this culture is indicative of Dan workmanship. This Dan mask has the typical stylized features of the Dan style: extended lips, cheekbones, thin eyes with a protruding forehead and an oval-shaped head.

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