Masque , Dan, Côte d'Ivoire

Philip Goldman, Londres, 1961
Acquis lors de la vente Sotheby's, New York, 22 novembre 1998, n° 267

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture: chips to the nose and to the chin; some losses on the inside rim; round green label "Sotheby's New York 267" on the reverse. Aged dark brown patina with traces of white pigments around the eyes.
"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."

L'équilibre des traits, la tension des lignes amplifiée par la nervure frontale et le kaolin surlignant les yeux, enfin l'avancée de la bouche aux commissures abaissées, offrent dans ce masque l'expression d'un style Dan septentrional alliant superbement force et majesté. Ces qualités sont accentuées par la rare parure de poils d'antilope ceignant le menton.

Selon Verger-Fèvre (in Barbier, 1993, II : 60), le kaolin qui recouvre les yeux du masque reproduit le motif dont s'ornaient les femmes Dan participant à une fête rituelle. Les yeux plissés seraient également une caractéristique des visages féminins, dont ils sont censés exprimer le sourire (idem).

cf. Fischer et Himmelheber (1984 : couverture) pour un masque au style très apparenté.