Anthropomorphic face mask · Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3039080
Hans Coray, Zurich, Switzerland (son of Han Coray)
Esther Matossi, Zurich, Switzerland
Sotheby’s, London, 27th October 1980, lot 146
Victor Skipp, Cambridge, England
Cambridge University Museum, England
Description
wood, remains of brown patina, of regular oval shape, just slightly vaulted (in profile), vertical forehead ridge, metal projection, broad eyebrows with striation, tubular projecting eyes with broad rim which is spread with mass, the nose unusual flat with straight bridge, abundant beard of several layers of feathers (probably original), cut to one length and attached by cord, old collection number “HC 148” and collection label “Ex Matossi Collection, Switzerland” on the backside, slightly dam. (mouth), surface strongly rubbed off and partly marked by insect caused damage, fine crack and traces of abrasion backside at the rim, metal base;
belonging to the “sagbwe” mask complex, which is hierarchically structured. The highest in the hierarchy perform their function during the harvest festival, which is closely related to the fertility of the living human community. “Sagbwe” masks offer meat and harvested rice to the ancestors and distribute all sorts of “medicines” intended to encourage female fertility. After the festivities, the masks reign the village and take turns watching over the peoples security. During the dry season their main duty is to protect the village from fire. They also see to it that women extinguish fires after breakfast; if not heavy punishment follows. At night, armed with spears and knives, they keep evil spirits and witches from invading the village.
Littérature comparée
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 101