Hornbill Mask

Origin: Dan Tribe, Liberia
Composition: wood, pigment, metal plating, raffia, fabric, nails, rope
Age: early 20th century

Masks of this type are rare, and were said to have had the power to embody forest spirits (du), and to exercise authority (particularly in settling conflicts) through performances of the Poro initiation society. This antique piece likely held spiritually charged materials in the cylinder atop the head.

The image of African art in the 20th century was decisively shaped by the masks of the Dan Tribe, which came to epitomize the western notion of the African mask. The figures represented by Dan masks are forest spirits who select a human partner when they wish to participate in the human world. Wishing to help, entertain, or teach people, the mask spirits ask someone to possess them temporarily to allow them to lead a visible and active part in village life.

Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a pointed chin, a protruding mouth, an upturned nose, a high-domed forehead, and a dark, rich patina. Similar masks are found throughout the country, but regional stylistic variations occur. For example, northern face masks (such as this piece) tend to have very fine features, a high-domed smooth forehead, eyes set in the middle of the face, and a very smooth patina obtained by immersing the mask in a pool of mud. Southern masks, on the other hand, have protruding features and a rougher patina obtained by applying vegetal pigments (Ref: Bacquart, "Tribal Arts of Africa"; Roy, "A Sense of Wonder"; Stepan, "World Art: Africa"; Visona, "A History of Art In Africa").

Prior to the acquisition of this mask, we had not sought Dan material for many years, principally due to our awareness that the market was flooded with newly carved masks being represented as antique or used. Simply put, we are hard to impress when it comes to art of the Dan. This particular mask has all of the elements of a superior quality Dan piece and sublime beauty. The extreme brittleness of the raffia attests to the age of the piece, as does the well-oiled bird's beak at the chin, which serves as a handle for the masquerader. This is a very special, highly collectible piece.

Please contact us to inquire about this piece at (415) 362-6601 or info@sujaro.com.