MASQUE DAN A DAN MASK CÔTE D'IVOIRE On the reverse... Lot 52

MASQUE DAN A DAN MASK CÔTE D'IVOIRE On the reverse side, the inventory number 2804 is annotated in white ink. Height: 23.5 cm. (9¼ in.) US$55,000-86,000 PROVENANCE Probably Charles Ratton, Paris Collection Morris J. Pinto (1925-2009), Geneva Collection George Ortiz (1927-2013), Geneva Pierre J. Langlois (1927-2015), Lille Belgian Private Collection, acquired in 1987 Sotheby's, London, 29 June 1987, lot 20 Ludwig Schmidt Collection, Munich, from 1973 to 1995 Transmitted by family descent Belgian Private Collection By its deep interiority, perfect balance and harmonious proportions, this mask from the former Ortiz collection is a fine example of Dan art. The delicacy of its features gives it a majestic presence reinforced by its beautiful patina and its coife worked in vegetable trees. The parallel lines of scarifications decorating the edges of the face and the natural rendering of anatomical details such as the lips and nose characterize the masks of the Diomandé, a subgroup of the Dan. The upper lip projected in high relief extends the philtrum. The latter is pierced and indicates that the mouth was originally provided with teeth. The treatment of the elongated ears reflects the sculptor's ingenious choice to highlight the carifcation lines. For a comparable mask without ears, from the former Nicaud collection, see Boyer, A.-M., Art Premiers de Côte d'Ivoire, Saint-Maur, 1997, p. 45, fg. 26. To bid, please consult the "Sale Information" section.