Global Art & Artifacts

Dan Poro Ceremonial Mask. Wood. Spiritual realm. Secret Society. Wood. Liberia. Africa

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

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.

 

 

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