Dan Kran mask
African art Dan and its subgroups
Dan mask with a prominent bulging forehead typical of the Kran, side panels on the face to represent the cheeks, large round eye holes pierced at the edges, a wedge-shaped nose with flared nostrils and an open mouth slightly protruding with full lips. At the edge of the mask are a series of holes for attaching a separate raffia beard. the mask is fixed on a made-to-measure support.
The Dan use a number of masks in their festivities and rituals. Many are used to ridiculing members of the village, like the carefree woman who neglects her homework. The most popular and iconic dan masks are used in running competitions among the youth of the community as an act of prowess. Other masks are used to intimidate and the Dan Kran mask is one example. Here the personality of the spirit is that of a troublemaker who interrupts the festivities by throwing wooden hooks around him and engaging in simulated war.
This piece is part of the important B. B. collection, active since the 1960s in Brussels. Having worked for a long time with the greatest Brussels dealers and international collectors, B. B trusts our gallery to exclusively offer part of its collection for sale.
01955
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 26 x 13,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art Dan and its subgroups
Dan mask with a prominent bulging forehead typical of the Kran, side panels on the face to represent the cheeks, large round eye holes pierced at the edges, a wedge-shaped nose with flared nostrils and an open mouth slightly protruding with full lips. At the edge of the mask are a series of holes for attaching a separate raffia beard. the mask is fixed on a made-to-measure support.
The Dan use a number of masks in their festivities and rituals. Many are used to ridiculing members of the village, like the carefree woman who neglects her homework. The most popular and iconic dan masks are used in running competitions among the youth of the community as an act of prowess. Other masks are used to intimidate and the Dan Kran mask is one example. Here the personality of the spirit is that of a troublemaker who interrupts the festivities by throwing wooden hooks around him and engaging in simulated war.
This piece is part of the important B. B. collection, active since the 1960s in Brussels. Having worked for a long time with the greatest Brussels dealers and international collectors, B. B trusts our gallery to exclusively offer part of its collection for sale.