Anthropomorphic face mask "zakpai" · Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3049423
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Ketterer, Munich, 5 November 1977, Lot 39German Private Collection
Size
H: 22,5 cm
H: 8.9 inch
Description
wood, pigment residues, base
“Zakpai” appeared mainly in the dry savannah region of the northern Dan. The masks function was to ensure that women extinguish cooking fires after use to prevent afternoon winds spreading fire through the village and bushes. It is worn by the fastest runner in the village supposed to warn the inhabitants and to call for help in case of fire.
Comparing literature
Fischer, Eberhard & Hans Himmelheber, Die Kunst der Dan, Zürich 1976, p. 74, ill. 108
Publications
AHDRC: 0178561