Masque, Dan, Côte d'Ivoire

Shériff Sidibé, Abidjan
Collection Lionel Sergent

Wear consistent with age and use within the culture: cracks and chips; losses to the edge due to long exposure to the elements, as visible in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Les volumes projetés dans l'espace et la nervure frontale s'étirant jusqu'à l'extrémité du bec rattachent ce rare et très ancien masque au style des Dan méridionaux. Il trouve probablement son interprétation dans l'influence des peuples voisins, en particulier des Gio du Liberia. Leur masque Gea glu offre en effet un même visage anthropo-zoomorphe, avec un bec dentelé identifié par Harley comme celui d'un petit calao (Harley, 1941). A la puissance de l'image répond celle de l'usage, ce masque juge intervenant dans le cadre du Poro afin de régler les conflits (idem). Il a conservé, fiché dans le front, un fer cérémoniel, et sous le bec un tenon en bois servant à fixer sa parure.