Dan Mask with Beads & Shells Great Provenance! Ex Pierre Verite from Paris!

Description

From Ivory Coast, West Africa. Wide hardwood mask of fine well preserved form, still retaining a cowry shell covered fabric crown around high forehead with high relief central ridge. The slit eyes were surrounded by animal hide and metal detail that are mostly still intact, and the double curved full lips were perforated fo peg inserts. Further adorned with metal earrings, colorful beaded fringe, metal ingot in chin, and braided fiber plaits form beard. Dark brown patina with matte deposits, areas of smooth patina on interior.
Provenance:
Private NJ. collection, acquired in Paris from Pierre Verite, 1950’s - 1970’s, by descent to family. Ex Arte Primitivo. It comes with certificate from Arte Primitivo.
Size:
20”H. with beard.