This mask was carved in the style of the Dan Bete people of Ivory Coast. The mask features a face with an upward turned “beard” and is decorated with metal studs throughout. It measures 14 inches tall and weighs 3.5 pounds. There is some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear – please inspect photos. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.
Metal Studded Dan Bete Mask 14″ – Ivory Coast – African Art
$120.00
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| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Ivory Coast |
| Ethnicity | Dan Bete |
| Material | Wood, pigment, metal |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 14" |
| Width (Inches) | 9" |
| Depth (Inches) | 6" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 3.5 lbs |
Tribe Information
About the Bete People
“The Ivory Coast is home to the Bete – the live between the Akan tribe to the east and the Guro tribe to the north. They number 350,000 and live in villages, with the eldest man of the main family at the head. Historically, they were hunters, but nowadays they also farm. Religion, omnipresent in Bete life, aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between nature and the ancestors who are responsible for the welfare of the tribe. Elaborate masquerades are ceremonies are performed by the men of the tribe who belong to dance societies. “
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
About the Dan People
The Dan are known for their superb woodwork. Masks are the single most paramount form of artwork created by the Dan, creating a bridge between the supernatural and physical worlds.
Read more about the Dan here.