Masque, Dan / Mano, Côte d'Ivoire

Ancienne collection Jim Freeman, Japan

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Small chip to the edge of the left ear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Parmi l'immense corpus des masques Dan, celui-ci se distingue tant par la superbe qualité de la sculpture, que par l'individualité du style et de l'iconographie.

Tandis que de face s'impose la parfaite rigueur de la composition - les oreilles semblant marquer l'aboutissement du point d'équilibre-, le profil s'articule en une succession serrée de courbes et contre-courbes, le dynamisme accentué par le volume décroché du front. Enfin l'extrême sensibilité des modelés est mise en valeur par les nuances brunes et caramel de la patine.

L'association entre le classicisme des traits et la largeur du visage aux fines oreilles - rarement figurées -, révèle dans ce très beau masque Dan une influence des Mano voisins.