African wood masks hand carved Wall Mask tribal Dan Bird Masks for wall-G1171

33/17 -CM
This striking mask of a bird’s head was made in Liberia mask or the Ivory Coast by the Dan mask tribe, or one of their near relatives. It is an unusually ornate example, with a high forehead ,mask a long, curved beak and geometric motifs on the forehead and above the eyes. The form of the eyes and the dark mask patina lend a menacing aspect. The jaw mask , unusually mask , is jointed and secured with leather thongs that could presumably be adjusted. The Dan are a farming tribe, settled in the semi- wooded areas of Liberia and the ivory Coast. Much of their mythology and social structure is based upon the forest and its fiercer creatures – the Leopard Society is the main organ of social control. For example, initiates spend up to four months alone in the forest before they are permitted to enter maturity. Dan society was originally a string of spatially-proximate but socially distinct communities, and while they are now – technically at least – centralised, their diversity has found expression in the range of masks and other artefactss..