Dan Poro Ceremonial Mask. Wood. Spiritual realm. Secret Society. Wood. Liberia. Africa
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The Dan people – an ethnolinguistic grouping – has presence in the mountainous areas of Côte d’Ivoire and adjacent areas of Liberia. This particular mask is from Liberia and specifically used by the Poro . . . a secret society where only males are admitted.
As you might know, Dan masks are used during initiation ceremonies. Initiated members carve/stain/decorate their own masks. These masks are sacred objects and protect the member against destructive and evil forces – from the day he dons the mask until the day he enters the spirit realm.
Once he puts that mask on, he is transformed into a spirit. He goes into a deep trance where he communicates and absorbs the wisdom of his forebears.
The mask is in very good condition. The stand is not included.