NAVIGATION

circa 1900
19th / Early 20th Century
Côte d’Ivoire
Wood Wood and metal
22 x 15 cm (8 ⁵/₈ x 5 ⁷/₈ inches)

Dan masks exhibit a diverse range of designs, spanning from naturalistic to highly stylised. The Dan employed a bewildering variety of masks for various purposes. These masks could undergo transformations during their lifespan, adapting to different forms of masquerade or dance rituals. The men who donned these masks and performed within them were believed to have received visions from the mask spirits. While masks could be passed down through generations through inheritance, the masquerade itself was dependent on the dream, which served as an acknowledgment from the mask. Consequently, a mask could remain dormant for a generation until a new dancer was visited by a dream. The re-emergence of the mask might be accompanied by a distinct masquerade, incorporating the costume, movements, and musical accompaniment dictated by the dream.

Ex John Hewitt, London 
Private collection, Hampstead, London
Ex Private UK collection