Mask "zakpai" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Dan - Diomandé · ID: 3037488

Description

wood, beautiful rich blackish brown patina, plant fibre, regular facial features with delicate arching eyebrows and the characteristic big circular eyes, remains of mass around the rim refer to original framing with metal sheet, coiffure from plaited plant fibre, arranged tight around the head and spread with mass, in loose lobes at the temples, originally three leather amuletts attached to the head (one missing), slightly dam., min. abrasion (nose), minor missing part backside at the rim (chin area), mounted on original pedestal made by Kichizô Inagaki (1876-1951), with signature;
such masks are called runner masks, “running juju”. They are widespread among the northern Dan (because of the dry area they are mostly needed there). Worn by the fastest runner of the village, they are supposed to warn the inhabitants and 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.