Dan Passport Mask Côte d'Ivoire

Description: Dan Passport Mask Côte d'Ivoire Brand Unbranded Type of Object Mask Country of Origin Côte d'Ivoire People Dan Materials Wood, pigment, shells, fabric Approximate Age 20th century Height (in) 4.5 Width (in) 4.5 Depth (in) 5 Overall Condition Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. Damage/Repair Pitting The Dan mask is a significant cultural artifact originating from the Côte d'Ivoire, a country located in West Africa. This mask holds great importance within the Dan people's traditional practices and ceremonies, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs. The Dan people, also known as the Yacouba, are one of the major ethnic groups inhabiting the western part of Côte d'Ivoire, as well as parts of Liberia and Guinea. They are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and artistic expressions, with the Dan mask being a prominent example of their exceptional skills. The Dan mask is typically carved out of wood, although other materials like brass and copper may also be incorporated. Each mask is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who have acquired the specialized knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. The masks are often created in various sizes, with some small enough to be handheld while others are large and worn over the face. One of the distinctive features of the Dan mask is its elongated face, which is usually triangular or diamond-shaped. The facial features are often highly stylized, with prominent cheekbones, a narrow nose, and a pointed chin. The mask is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, scarifications, and carved details, showcasing the artistic prowess and attention to detail of the Dan craftsmen. These masks play a central role in Dan society, serving both ritualistic and ceremonial purposes. They are uséd in various contexts such as initiation ceremonies, funerals, agricultural festivals, and masquerade performances. The Dan believe that the masks embody ancestral spirits and serve as a medium of communication between the human and spirit realms. During important rituals and ceremonies, the masks are worn by selected individuals who undergo rigorous training and initiation. These individuals, known as "maskers" or "dozo," are regarded as mediators between the community and the spiritual world. They perform elaborate dance routines accompanied by music and chants, creating a captivating spectacle for the onlookers. The Dan mask represents more than just a decorative object; it embodies the spiritual essence and cultural identity of the Dan people. It serves as a visual representation of their history, mythology, and collective memory. The masks are revered as sacred objects and are handled with great respect and reverence. In recent years, the Dan mask has gained recognition beyond its cultural context. It has become sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, who appreciate its aesthetic beauty and cultural significance. However, it is important to note that the Dan mask's commercialization and exportation raise ethical considerations, as these masks hold profound cultural and spiritual meaning for the Dan people. The Dan mask from Côte d'Ivoire stands as a testament to the artistic ingenuity and cultural heritage of the Dan people. It serves as a powerful symbol of their beliefs, traditions, and identity, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the community and captivating the imaginations of those fortunate enough to encounter it. **130729** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2023 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. Customer Service: We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care! Handling Time: We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours. Returns: We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card. Combining Shipping: You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order. When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request. Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. Newsletter, previews and special offers: Sign up for our newsletter Go to Africa Direct Store eBay integration by

Price: 55 USD

Location: Denver, CO

End Time: 2024-07-26T19:37:16.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.98 USD