Small head sculpture · Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3037849
not available anymore
Provenance
Minderman, The Hague, The NetherlandsSize
H: 17 cm
H: 6.7 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, elongated neck surmounted by an oval head with high pointed headgear with decoration nails, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
such heads are thought to act as guardian or protective spirits, similar in function to the miniature “ma” masks. They are also said to be greatly feared objects which, when used by judges, guarantee that order will be kept and truth will be spoken.
Comparing literature
Johnson, Barbara C., Four Dan Sculptors, San Francisco 1987, p. 22