Dan Mask, Côte d'Ivoire

Pierre (1900-1993) and Claude (1929-2018) Vérité, Paris, France

Enchères Rive Gauche, Paris, La Collection Pierre et Claude Vérité, 17-18 June 2006, lot 132

Collection privée, Paris, acquired from the above sale

Christie's, Paris, Art d'Afrique et d'Océanie, 23 June 2016, lot 251

French Private Collection

The Dan people live in the mountainous and forested regions of north-western Côte d'Ivoire and north-eastern Liberia, and have elevated the art of sculpture to the highest rank within their community. Male societies craft masks to embody the guardian spirits of the bush, and display them during ritual dances. Those who don masks or own them enjoy a uniquely prestigious status.

And this remarkable Dan mask from Côte d'Ivoire, with its high, rounded forehead and elongated almond-shaped eyes, is a beautiful exemplar.

A finely woven plant fibre coiffure emphasises the beautiful oval shape of the entire composition. Imbuing it with expression, the sculptor has skilfully balanced strength and power, making marvellous use of the medium.