Where Is Dan Mask? See It at Musée du Quai Branly

Q: Where is this Dan mask?

This mask is at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Dan masks entered European collections throughout the colonial period.

Q: What type of mask is this?

This appears to be a deangle mask, representing idealized feminine beauty. Such masks performed educational and peacekeeping roles in Dan society.

Q: How were Dan masks used?

Masks appeared in performances where they became vessels for spiritual beings. They educated communities, settled disputes, and maintained social order.

Q: How big is this mask?

The mask measures approximately 24 cm (9.5 in) tall. Dan masks are designed to be worn with elaborate costume and headdress additions.

Kongo This Dan mask from Ivory Coast/Liberia exemplifies the refined naturalism prized in Dan masking traditions. Created around 1900, the wooden mask shows the smooth, idealized features associated with female beauty in Dan culture. Such masks appeared in performances that educated, entertained, and maintained social order in Dan communities.

Dan masks represent a spectrum of characters from fierce warriors to gentle feminine spirits. This serene type, called deangle, embodied ideals of feminine beauty and performed educational and peacekeeping roles. The masks were not merely objects but served as vessels for spiritual beings who manifested during performances.

This mask is at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.

This mask is at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Dan masks entered European collections throughout the colonial period.

This appears to be a deangle mask, representing idealized feminine beauty. Such masks performed educational and peacekeeping roles in Dan society.

Masks appeared in performances where they became vessels for spiritual beings. They educated communities, settled disputes, and maintained social order.

The mask measures approximately 24 cm (9.5 in) tall. Dan masks are designed to be worn with elaborate costume and headdress additions.

Dan Mask

Details

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Ancient Kongo (Unknown)

Kongo Crucifix

Kongo Power Figure (Nkisi)

Fang Reliquary Guardian (Byeri)

Also at Musée du Quai Branly

Fang Reliquary Guardian (Byeri)

About Dan Mask

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