ANTIQUE BELLED DAN DANCE MASK Start Price USD 199.99 Current Price USD 199.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location TANQUE VERDE VALLEY See more about 'ANTIQUE BELLED DAN DANCE MASK ' Description Dan INITIATION MASK Liberia / Ivory Coast WOOD: 9 ” Tall      The Dan tribe chiefly inhabit the Ivorie Coast and Liberia where they arrived in the eighth century The Dan mask to the left was used during initiation ceremonies. Masks are made and worn exclusively, by male dancers. Dan masks are unique and only carved by initiated members of the male Poro society. The mask was worn by an initiated male dancer. The mask served to protect the young initiate against destructive or evil forces from the time of initiation, till he one  day enters the spirit realm. The Dan people classify surroundings into two realms - the village with all inhabitants (human realm), and the forest (bon) (spirit realm) where the spirits reign, and  wild animals roam freely. The forest is regarded as sacred, and crossing the boundary between the human realm, and the spirit realm, may only be done by saying a prayer and wearing materials from both worlds. This creates a link between the two realms. The mask depicted  here is a perfect example of the materials. Once the male mask dancer dons the mask, he is transformed into a spirit. The mask dancer goes into a deep trance during rituals and brings forth messages of wisdom from his forebears. The messages is inaudible and in uncontrollable utters, a wise man accompany the dancer during the ritual and translates the messages. The messages are often words of great wisdom, prescribing a way of life that will lead to longevity, health and prosperity. The cowry shells not only represent a decorative function, but also indicate that the spirits have blessed the young initiate with wealth. (In the past cowry shells was used as money). The feathers signify beauty and the ability to take flight if danger arises. An important feature of nitiation masks is that ears are not represented. Boys enter training at a young age and remain at the training camp for several years, until they are initiated as adults into society. A portion of the young men's training consists of tribal tradition, principals and moral values. A spirit who wants to be given a bodily form visits these nitiated males in a dream. Following the dream, the adult males has to give life to the spirit, in the form of a mask. Before the actual carving process the adult male cleanse himself, then sets off to the forest to find a suitable piece of wood. When he reaches the initiation camp, he commences with the carving. On completion of the mask, he carefully plans the song, music and dance, which are to accompany the initiation ceremony. Evil forces could also come from "witch doctors" that thrive on young innocent boys. The evil  witchdoctors have a strong belief that by making medicines with human body parts, when given to the sick or desperate, it will cure them from disease and or restore health, bring good luck  and prosperity. After the initiation ceremony the young man heads off home and is now ready to enter into serious relationship with the young women of marital age that will eventually lead to marriage. The mask will remain in the family and community for years, and will eventually be passed down through the generations. After centuries of brutal oppression and exploitation, slaves were finally emancipated in the USA. Some of these people dearly longed to come back to Africa, their wish were granted. On arrival they discovered that they were reallocated on "free" land now known as Liberia. Although these "free blacks" still practiced some of the traditions, they were a mixed group of people that practiced different customs. Neighboring tribes mainly from the Ivory Coast influenced the "free blacks" and the dominant Dan tribe took root in Liberia. WOOD :Crafted in Africa in the 1950's (est.) The mask shows  use and wear.CONDITION: EXCELLENT. Buyer pays Shipping,$ 22.00 USA -  $ 35. 00 INTERNATIONAL AIR MAILALL ITEMS SHIPPED INSURED *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities. *** If you cannot live with that or want a perfect piece, Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try as best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions. PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING . 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