Mask "zakpai" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3036972

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, oval form with regular facial features and big round eyes, striking pointed thin lips, pierced around the rim, min. dam., small missing parts, fine crack (right side), slight traces of abrasion, base;
such masks are called runner masks, “running juju”. They are widespread among the northern Dan (because of the dry area they are mostly needed here). Worn by the fastest runner of the village, they are supposed to warn the inhabitants and to call for help in case a fire breaks out. They used to wear face masks with big circular eyes and a coating of red fabric, completed by a head gear with big leaves “bülä” and a rough costume with short fibre skirt. Their “weapon” was a short branch while their companion used to beat a slit gong. They only appeared in dry season and their sole task was to control the cooking fire places within the village. They are not dancing or singing, they are just rumping with the youngsters of the village.

Comparing literature

Homberger, Lorenz, Masken der Wè und Dan, Elfenbeinküste, Zürich 1997, p. 73 Fischer, Eberhard & Hans Himmelheber, The Arts of the Dan in West Africa, Zurich 1984, p. 43, ill. 51