Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 52
Dan fetish bust — Dan, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 52
Description
This sculpture is a Dan fetish or bust originating from Côte d’Ivoire. It is characteristic of Dan ritual art, produced by a people who use spiritual objects during religious ceremonies. The piece represents a female head with a stylised hairstyle, a symbol of beauty and elegance in Dan culture. The base of the sculpture is covered with fabric and cords, suggesting ritual use. Wood, often used for these sculptures, is chosen for its durability and symbolic qualities.
Dan fetishes play a central role in spiritual protection, healing and divination. They are used by figures of authority, such as healers, to invoke spirits and ensure the prosperity or safety of the community. These objects, often carved with great refinement, are not only works of art but also intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual world.
The Dan, also known as Yacouba, are a West African ethnic group mainly found in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. They are known for their elaborate masks and sculptures, which play an essential role in their spiritual and ceremonial practices. Their culture values art as a means of expressing beliefs and maintaining a connection with ancestors and spirits.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Statuette
- Category
- Ritual objects
- Ethnic group
- Dan
- Country
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Materials
- wood and toile. Objetà l'intérieur
- Dimensions
- H 63 × W 20 × D 23 cm
- Weight
- 4,2 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 52