African Dance Mask with Animal Teeth

African Dance Mask with Animal Teeth

Oval shaped face with slightly bulging forehead that curves sharply toward eyes and nose bridge; often cylindrical eyes are positioned at approximately upper 3rd of 2 1/2" long nose; "upper lip slants outward to form a overhang into which 3 teeth (presumably animal) have been inserted; open mouth with "lower lip" indistinguishable from chin; 28 1/8" holes (probably for attachment to regalia) around rear edge of mask; verso is concave with 3 1/2" oval holes at chin area; 3 teeth missing; one tooth with paper at insertion point; dark patina all over.

Each has its own spirit and name. They can accumulate power through repeated sacrifices. Everyone wearing a mask is accompanied by musicians and assistants. The most used masks are the most important and represent a powerful spirit. People who own one of these can act as judges, lawgivers and peacemakers. They make the choice between war and peace, no one dares to lie in their presence. In the past, prisoners were sacrificed to the masks. Today these masks are regularly fed with with the blood of cock, palm oil and kola nut. The other masks, which aren't used as much, don't have as much power. They are protecting patrons of fishermen and smiths, twins and travelers, they resist evil-doers, those who eat children and adulterers; they watch over household affairs, protect pregnant women, help children, women, and cure sickness, like facial paralysis and stuttering.

Accession Date: 08251998

Wood
Bone

1998.1

African
Liberia
Dan People

10”H x 6” W