Face Mask
Artist/Maker
Dan people
(Ivory Coast and Liberia)
Date20th century
Mediumwood, fur, feathers and textile
DimensionsOverall: 16 x 6 1/8 x 7 1/2 in. (40.6 x 15.6 x 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Berkowitz
Terms
Object number86.0091
DescriptionAmbiguous or anomalous creatures are the norm in much African art. In particular, qualities of opposing realms such as earth and sky (fur and feathers) are brought together in one being such as this mask, probably representing a spirit that appeared to someone in a dream and asked to have a mask created for itself so that it could dance with humans. Combinations of human and animal characteristics are also common.On View
Not on viewCollections
Chokwe people
20th century