Tribal Art

Mask Dan Zapkei or Gunye ge (N° 14753)

Among the most emblematic masks of African art, this sculpture stood out among the eleven types of dan masks (Fisher and Himmelheber) thanks to its eyes hollowed out in a circular way to allow better vision. These masks, named gunye ge "masques de course", oval-faced, slightly concave centre, were produced in the northern Dan and intended to compete in the race events. The zapkei intervenes to prevent the spread of domestic fires during dry seasons. Armed with a wand, they threaten careless women and confiscate an object as a fine. Some of these masks, the goge, with a particularly sophisticated braided headdress, were only exceptionally used. Base mask: 43 cmBlack patina with satin feel, grainy residual inlays at the top.
Piece from the vast collection of Jean Charles Mercier which was started at the beginning of the 20th century by his grandfather Guy, consultant for the Solvay group. While radiating in West and Central Africa as part of his work, and collecting in-situ works, the majority of his collection nevertheless comes from \