BEARDED DAN MASK - HUMAN HAIR ,SHELLS, ANTIQUE Start Price USD 199.99 Current Price USD 199.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 249.99 Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location TANQUE VERDE VALLEY See more about 'BEARDED DAN MASK - HUMAN HAIR ,SHELLS, ANTIQUE' Description Dan PORO  MASK  Liberia / Ivory Coast WOOD: 10” Tall, FRONT 14"  x  10" The Dan tribe  chiefly inhabit the Ivorie Coast and Liberia since their arrival in the eighth  century. Crafted in Africa in the 1950's(est.) This is a female mask, worn by men during the PORO initiation rites for the young boys. For the Dan, the mask is a channel of communication with the high god Zlan, but the real intermediaries are the spirits of the ancestors who are invoked through the mask.The power of the mask to influence the ancestors depends on the social prestige of the owner, since a man can only reach prominence with their help, and his very success shows that the ancestors favor him. An inherited mask retains its power over the ancestors and the more prestigious its owner was in his life, the more  powerful he will be as an ancestor. Similarly, old masks which span several generations are considered especially powerful.  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 above 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 sprits 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 initiation masks is that ears are not represented, An excellent aged patina . The inside shows wonderful use and wear.  WOOD, HUMAN HAIR, SHELLS, STRING.  CONDITION:MUSEUM EXCELLENT Buyer pays $ 22.00 USA Shipping. $35.00 IMTERNATIONAL INSURED Value $ 900.00 + *** 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. 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