Lot 92

Dan People Dual Poro Masks - Mirror and Bell Adornments

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Dan People Dual Poro Masks - Mirror and Bell Adornments

Estimate: $1,400 - $2,100

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

West Africa, Liberia and Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Dan peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A rare and compelling pair of face masks, each with an elaborate headdress, likely associated with the Poro society - a male initiation society that governs spiritual and social order across many West African communities. The headdresses, which extend horizontally from the mask, are constructed around a stick core wrapped in cotton cloth, decorated with cowrie shells, dense raffia fringe, and central glass mirror discs. A cloth veil hangs down to conceal the wearer's neck, preserving anonymity. The masks are carved in contrasting expressions: one features wide, circular open eyes suggesting heightened alertness or spiritual activation; the other, with narrow slitted eyes, evokes sleep or introspection. Each chin is adorned with a densely packed textile extension terminating in four iron bells, which rattle. Size: 30" L x 7" W (76.2 cm x 17.8 cm); 25" H (63.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Exhibited: "Hands on... Culture Shock!" Ralph T. Coe Foundation for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hands-On Curatorial Program 2015 April 2 - December 31, 2015

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection; purchased at the Peabody Museum shop at Harvard Museum

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#196418

  • Condition: Discoloration and staining to cloth as expected with age and use. Some holes and tears, but overall great conditions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000