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The dan live in the western part of Ivory coast and Liberia. Their population is estimated to 350 000 people are mainly farmers who grow rice, cocoa and manioc. Today men make also their living at wage work in the diamond camps or working at the rubber plantationsSecret societies are responsible for the social order and ritual observance. The masks serves as a tool of communication betwwen the living and their ancestors. Masking ceremonies have different fonctions : bringing spirit to life, social control, instruction and entertainement. The Dan masks can be used during initiations ceremonies and are worn only by male dancers.. The masks are unique and only carved and worn by initiated members of male poro ssociety. In carving Poro masks the sculptor seeks to create a sense of rhythm by contrasting convex and concave surfaces, a contrast that can be emphasized by color variations and the differing textures of added elements -- bells, medicine bags, animal horns, etc. |
External links
http://www.rebirth.co.za/Dan_tribal_art_history_and_culture.htm
http://www.vub.ac.be/BIBLIO/nieuwenhuysen/african-art/african-art-collection-masks.htm