Africa, Ivory Coast, northern Dan territory, Gagon, ca. early 20th century CE. A well-executed Gagon mask presenting a finely carved wooden concave visage with a classic high domed forehead with a crown of cowrie shells and extending braids of natural fibers, narrow slit eyes surrounded by hammered metal, painted red details on the face, a dramatic long beak-like nose and protruding mouth with a beard of black and red monkey fur, metal, and hide attachments, and a full textile headdress. The gägon (also called ge gon) mask is today is used to entertain the villagers accompanied music, typically by drummers and singers. Originally, however, the gägon masquerade sang songs and chanted proverbs in order to teach the community about the significance of the hornbill, the bird represented by the gagon mask who regarded as the first being created by Zla, the creator god of the Dan. Comparable examples without the headdress are list for $14,000, but our consigner is offering it at this tantalizing price. Size: 29" L (with headdress) x 6.75" W (73.7 cm x 17.1 cm)

The Dan culture has traditionally believed that behind and within this earthly world there exists an essential force called dü which is most often described as an omnipresent power throughout the world. Dü manifests in spirits which are invisible but may take the form of humans or animals. Some dü spirits like the Gagon rely on artisans to create a more tangible, physical form as masks or fetishes. The dü spirit inspires an artisan to dream of it and then actually teaches him how to make it and guides him through the creative process.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970

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#113549

Shows wear commensurate with age and use, missing a few cowrie shells, wear and staining to textile headdress, wear to hide.