Anthropomorphic face mask "zakpai"
Côte d'Ivoire, Dan
not available anymore
Provenance
Jan Schneider, Buchbach, GermanySize
H: 23,5 cm
H: 9.3 inch
Description
wood, missing part, traces of insect caused damage
The “zakpai” mask is also called “fire prevention mask”. It mainly appears in the arid northern Dan region and is worn by the fastest runner in the village.
No one is supposed to recognise the man hiding behind the mask, because “zakpai” is considered a ghostly apparition.