Dance crest "dagu" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Tusian · ID: 3034797

Description

wood, brown patina, pigment remains, helmet-shaped calotte, surmounted by a stylized cattle and a small bird figure, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks;
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 bands of fabric. The horns symbolize cattle, which makes sense, because the young men who have passed “zeu” were looked upon as “nescient” and therefore “scary oxes”.

Littérature comparée

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