Anthropomorphic face mask "zakpai"
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93rd Tribal Art AuctionAnthropomorphic face mask "zakpai"
Côte d'Ivoire, Dan
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
John & Nicole Dintenfass, New York, USA David Serra, Barcelona, Spain |
H: 8.3 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, plant fibres, nail, sacrificial traces
This mask type performs during the harvest festival, which is closely related to the fertility of the living human community. The mask wearers offer meat and harvested rice to the ancestors and distribute all sorts of "medicines" intended to encourage female fertility.
After the festivities, the masks reign the village and take turns watching over the peoples security. During the dry season their main duty is to protect the village from fire.