Dan female statue — Dan, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 57

Description

This female wooden statue, probably of Dan origin, has an upright posture and an aesthetic marked by distinctive elements of the Dan style. The head, topped with a finely carved headdress, displays expressive features with a half-open mouth, an element often associated with prestige statues or ritual representations. The long ringed neck accentuates the elegance of the silhouette, a detail frequently observed in Dan art.
The body is adorned with geometric motifs and scarifications, characteristic of Dan decorative traditions, attesting to a symbolic and initiatory role. The arms are slightly detached from the body and the robust legs give the piece an imposing stability. The frontal attitude and the finesse of the detailed work suggest a sculpture intended for ritual or honorific use, probably linked to fertility cults or female ancestors.
The wood, aged and marked by time, reinforces the authenticity of the piece. Some traces of wear and slight cracks are visible, witnesses to its age and prolonged ritual use.

Technical details

Type of piece

statuie

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Dan

Country

Côte d’Ivoire

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 96 × W 17 × D 20 cm

Weight

9,4 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

57