Dan, Wee (Kran, Guerre) Mask, AMBASSADORS COLL Start Price USD 1,250.00 Current Price USD 1,250.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, September 28, 2008 End Time Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Dan, Wee (Kran, Guerre) Mask, AMBASSADORS COLL' Description Dan, Wee (Kran, Guerre) Mask, Gle Va, African Type of Object: Face mask Ethnic Group: Dan Wee, Kran, GuerreCountry of Origin: Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire Materials: Wood, vegetal fibers, snail shells in brass, bells in brass and iron , pigmentApproximate Age: Mid 20th century Dimensions: Height 14 inchesOverall Condition: GoodDamage, Repair: crack on top, Some oxidation on metal, loosing pigment  cracks in the back. Provenance: From the Collection of Ambassador Patricia and Mr. Richard Hawkins.Hawkins is currently in the U.S Embassy to Togo.She has previously served the State Department in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Burkina Faso; and Cote d'Ivoire. Richard Hawkins is also a career Foreign Services Diplomat. Both of them have connoisseur's eyes. The Hawkins collected African art for many years, and we are delighted to offer a portion of their magnificent collection. Certificate of authenticity available Additional Information:  This is a  fascinating  mask that comes from Liberia or Ivory Coast,  in a territory shared by peoples such as Weee/Kran, Guerre and Dan peoples and could have been made by an artist from one of those groups.  All these peoples are close in terms of geography and share the same tradition of the masks even if they are separated by their languages: Wee are Kru speakers and Dan are Mande speakers.The heart form of the face is highlighted by white pigment and brass nails. Facial features include  tubular open eyes, a large nose, and arched ears. The mouth is exceptionally cylindrical and hallowed. The mask stands on the base of this mouth. other attached elements are brass bells, and shells.  Both the Dan and Wee have dynamic masking associations known as Poro that initiate the young and regulate society. Among the Dan masks like this are called Gle Va and are considered the most important mask spirit of this people. The exaggerated features of this mask, though vaguely human, refer to forces in the bush whose energy and powers add to the authority of the spirit represented. In some cases its jaw moves and allows the dancer to speak. Whereas female masks appear to entertain, male masks such as this exercise social control, punishing wrongdoers, settling disputes, declaring wars and proclaiming peace. In the past they are also said to have been in the bush camps when the boys were being initiated. Female masks are rounded or oval, narrow eyes and finely delicate non-challenging features, whereas the male mask is larger in size, grosser in proportions, with an open and challenging mouth with teeth,and tube-like eyes. Wee masks similar to this one were meant to instill fear through their appearance combining human and animal features and remembrance of the mask aggressive behavior in the past. Recommended Reading: Kerchache's ART OF AFRICA; Barbara c C. Johnson, Four Dan Sculptors. Continuity and Change, 1986I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, PhD. **041148** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!