Dan masks are thought to be the realized spirit not just a vessel to temporarily house the entity but the actual supernatural force albeit ancestor or forest. In Liberia, there are a wide variety of Dan face masks each of which has a different function. They are used, as example, to name a few, during dance and ritualistic ceremonies to spread tribal news, glorify ancestors, revive ancient tales, to ridicule and or penalize village wrongdoers, to reinforce fire prevention awareness and to guide young initiates through rites of passage. The participants in the affair have their roles dictated by the mask that they are allowed to wear. Today many of the masks have lost their specific function and are used for entertainment purpose in conjunction with elaborate costuming and appropriate singing and dancing. The classic wooden Dan mask that appears here features styling that has brought the Dan people worldwide notoriety. The basic elements are a smooth, concave facial structure that features a high forehead, arched brows, large wide hollow eyes, well drawn tapering nose and a pronounce full mouth. The mask is surmounted by a cowry shell, raffia topping and further enhanced by an attractive raffia lower fringe. This mask has been crafted very well! Please click photo for enlargement! See other photos below. Sold. Please scroll down to Order. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: 5 inches acrosss x 9 inches tall. Wt: 6 lbs shipping Item 532 FrontPlease click photo for enlargement! Cowry topPlease click photo for enlargement! BackPlease click photo for enlargement! Back edgePlease click photo for enlargement! The WarehousePlease click here for new arrivals. The Curators GalleryPlease click here for exclusive high grade selections.