Montagut Gallery

19th century
29 cm
Wood
Provenance:
Alain de Monbrison, Paris
Alberto Romero de Tejada, Spain
Javier Lentini, Spain
Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món, Barcelona
Publications:
África. La figura imaginada. Palma de Mallorca, Tarragona, Valencia, Zaragoza, 2004-2005. Fundación LaCaixa. p.89. nº32
Histoire de l’art universel. Ars Magna. Tomo II. Editorial Planeta, Barcelone, 2006. p.201. nº139
Exhibitions:
Afrique. La figura imaginada. Palma de Majorque, Tarragone, Valence, Saragosse, 2004-2005. Fundación LaCaixa 2004 – 2005
Dan masks are among the most iconic elements of the tribal societies in the forest region of Ivory Coast. These masks serve both spiritual and social purposes within their communities. They are used in various ceremonies, ranging from initiation rites and festive celebrations to judicial events. For the Dan people, masks are believed to embody spiritual energy, with their power residing in the mask itself, imbued with the presence of nature spirits. These masks were worn during ceremonial dances, where the performer invoked spirits to protect the community, resolve conflicts, or promote harmony. The strength of the angular volumes of the face, combined with its irregular shape, beautifully accentuates the power of the expressiveness and tension of the face.