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African & Tribal Art :
Dan Sculptures : Dan Wooden Sculpture of a Man with a Raffia Wig
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Dan Wooden Sculpture of a Man with a Raffia Wig - PF.3390
Origin: Liberia/Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
19" (48.3cm) high
x 7" (17.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Dan
Medium: Wood and Mixed Media
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Near the Loma are the Dan, a large complex of
related peoples who produce a variety of masks,
figures, and utilitarian objects. An agrarian
people occupying areas in Northeastern Liberia
and Western Ivory Coast, the Dan are known for
their dancing as well as for the artistry and
variety of their masks. Figures of the Dan are
usually status symbols. Rich or important men
would commission artists to sculpt images of
their wives or of themselves. This sculpture of a
standing male figure most likely represents a
man in position of power and influence in the
Dan tribe. Although small in scale, the wooden
figure emanates strong energy and a sense of
authority. The use of white cowrie shells as eyes
on the very dark wooden surface is visually
effective. The hair is braided intricately and the
large protruding mouth reveals teeth. Both hands
making fists and the slightly bent knees seem to
suggest a certain movement or an attitude. This
expressionistic sculpture of a man has a great
impact on the modern viewers, stunning us with
its presence and visual aesthetics. Although we
may not know who this person is, we can feel his
character and status as expressed by the
sculpture.
- (PF.3390)
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