African Tribal Art: Dan People, Liberia: A rare anthropomorphic mask with a combination of human and bird features. Carved wood with elaborately braided fiber hair, the human-like face has a tubular eyes and a defined nose, above a fanciful curved beak and protruding, hummingbird-like tongue. The beak is studded with brass upholstery tacks. The mask has an overall black/brown patina, and it's age is estimated as 19th/20th century. It comes with a custom-made steel display stand.

Dan masks embody spirits of the forest who request (through dreams) that masks be made so they can "appear" before the people. A bird mask is considered a harbinger of good luck, and the inclusion of white (metal) on the mask reinforces that message.

Dimensions: Approx. 16H x 9W x 10D; 20.5H on stand (inches)

Provenance: Private collection.

NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

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Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York

Dimensions: See Description Good condition with evidence of use and age.
Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

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