Dance crest "dagu"

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Description

wood, greyish brown patina, helmet-shaped, surmounted by a stylized ox with projecting horns, collection label “Q 33/66/6”, cracks, minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
used for ceremonies preparing young men for the actual initiation, the membership of the “poro” society. The dancers wore abundant costumes: long trousers, various capes, long strings with affixed brass bells, while the crest itself was ornated with cowrie snails, feathers and a long band of fabric at the back. The horns symbolize cattle, which makes sense, because the young men who have passed “zeu” were looked upon as “nescient” and therefore “scary oxes”.

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Comparing literature

Guenneguez, André et Afo, Art de la Cote-d'Ivoire et de ses voisins, Paris o.J., p. 107

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Publications

Heidi Dürr, "Unsere Teure Vergangenheit", p. 28

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