Dance crest "dagu"

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Description

light brown wood, dark brown patina, helmet-shaped calotte, surmounted by stylized cattle and small human figure, horn tips leather-wrapped, rep. (breakage fixed by a leather cuff), missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, 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 cloth tapes. 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 & Afo, Art de la Cote-d'Ivoire et de ses voisins, Paris o.J., p. 107

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