Antique Ivory Coast West Africa Dan Mask Ceremonial Artifact Cowry Shells rare

This Antique Ivory Coast West Africa Dan Mask Ceremonial Artifact is an authentic piece of art. Crafted from fabric and wood, it displays a mix of gray and brown tones. • Antique West African artifact • Authentic Dan Mask from Ivory Coast • Crafted from fabric and wood • Exhibits gray and brown tones Authentic - Came from a local estate (see others listed) Info from google: Dan people classify surroundings into two realms - the village with all inhabitants (human realm), and the forest (bon) (spirit realm) where the spirits reign, and wild animals roam freely. The forest is regarded as sacred, and crossing the boundary between the human realm, and the spirit realm, may only be done by saying a prayer and wearing materials from both worlds. This creates a link between the two realms. The mask depicted to the left is a perfect example of the materials. These types of masks are made and worn exclusively, by male dancers and only carved by initiated members of the male Poro society. The mask served to protect the young initiate against destructive or evil forces from the time of initiation, till he one day enters the spirit realm. Once the male mask dancer dons the mask, he is transformed into a spirit. The mask dancer goes into a deep trance during rituals and brings forth messages of wisdom from his forebears. The messages is inaudible and in uncontrollable utters, a wise man accompany the dancer during the ritual and translates the messages. The messages are often words