A Dan Mask, "zakpai" Lot n° 11

Mask, "zakpai" Dan, Côte d'Ivoire Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. H 24 cm. Provenance: - according to H. and M. Zimmer: Karl Stemmler, Zurich. - Helmut (1931-2021) and Marianne Zimmer, Zurich. Because the use and meaning of the masks, in addition to the geographical differences that have always existed, has changed over time, subsequent statements about the use at that time are sometimes difficult. There is much to suggest that this was a fire alarm mask called zakpai, which, unlike most other mask types, neither danced nor sang. During the dry season, such masked figures checked whether the women had extinguished the hearth fire in the afternoon, as there was an increased danger of fire due to the whirlwinds. In case of violations, they intervened punitively and could sometimes take a deposit that had to be redeemed later. Further reading: Fischer, Eberhard (1976). The Art of Dan. Zurich: Museum Rietberg. CHF 800 / 1 200 EUR 800 / 1 200