{"product_id":"classic-dan-poro-society-wood-initiation-mask","title":"Classic Dan Poro Society Wood Initiation Mask","description":"\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e Ivory Coast \/ Liberia, West Africa, 20th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eA superb Dan Poro society initiation mask of classic bi-planar oval form, masterfully carved with a high domed forehead bisected by a fine median ridge, pierced symmetrical circular eye holes, a slender tapering nose, and an open protruding mouth with naturalistically rendered fleshy lips. The face displays the refined, idealized feminine beauty characteristic of the finest Dan\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003edeangle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emasks, with smooth flowing planes and elegant proportions that have long captivated collectors and deeply influenced modern artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eThe surface retains a rich, glossy black pigment over remains of an earlier red pigment layer, evidence of the mask's active ceremonial life and periodic ritual refreshment. The periphery shows a row of pierced holes along the edges where an attached fiber or cloth costume was once secured. Light wear to the edges consistent with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eDan masks of the Poro men's society serve essential roles in initiation, social control, and ceremonial life, functioning as powerful intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. Each mask type carries a specific rank and function within the complex hierarchy of the Poro institution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eSize:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e9-3\/8 inches H. (23.8 cm); 13 inches H. on custom mount\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eCondition:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eGood condition with age and use wear. Glossy black pigment over earlier red pigment layer. Some wear to periphery. Pierced attachment holes along edges. Structurally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eProvenance:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFrom the Estate of Ronald Blatt, owner of Blatt Billiards, New York City.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53314516844858,"sku":"17144","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17144blu.jpg?v=1776110167","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/classic-dan-poro-society-wood-initiation-mask","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}