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The Dan are hunters and farmers whose
territory stretches from the western side of the Ivory
Coast into Liberia.
Dan masks have a typically high
forehead, pouting mouth and pointed chin. They may also have scarification
marks like the line that splits the forehead and nose in our example above.
The Dan mask is a sacred object and is used for protection and as a channel
for communication with the spirit world. The Dan also carry small 'passport
masks' for personal protection when they are living away from home.The Dan
believe that their world is split into two domains: the human domain which is
represented by the village and its people, and the spiritual domain which is
represented by the forest and its spirits.When a dancer wears a Dan mask he
becomes the spirit of that mask. A masked dancer will speak in the language
of the spirits and his words are interpreted by a wise man. Some dancers
perform masked rituals on stilts. There are many different Dan masks, each of
which has a distinct use during rituals or festivals. Some masks play an
important part in tribal rites while others are simply for entertainment.
For additional
photos or questions please email me. Shipping costs can be reduced by
combining items.
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