Masque facial anthropomorphe "zakpai" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3046163

Description

wood, plant fibres, nail, sacrificial traces

This mask type performs during the harvest festival, which is closely related to the fertility of the living human community. The mask wearers 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.