OLD AFRICAN DAN-STYLE CARVED WOOD MASK WITH COWRIE-SHELL TEXTILE HEADDRESS For Sale

Visually striking older African mask constructed from a hand-carved wooden face surrounded by an elaborate textile headdress decorated with numerous natural cowrie shells.The face features large circular eye openings, a broad projecting nose and a deeply carved, prominent open mouth. The textile assembly includes long hanging fabric panels, shell-decorated extensions and rounded carved wooden attachments. The combination of wood, cloth, shells and sculptural elements gives the mask substantial depth and a powerful display presence.The reverse is hollowed by hand and displays visible carving marks, surface oxidation, discoloration and wear consistent with age. Small attachment holes appear around portions of the mask’s perimeter, and a simple wire hanger has been added to the upper reverse for wall display.The mask’s round eyes, projecting mouth and elaborate textile-and-cowrie headdress appear broadly consistent with mask traditions associated with the Dan cultural region of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Round-eyed masks occur within several regional forms. However, this mask has not been professionally authenticated, and no written provenance accompanies it. Its exact maker, date, cultural attribution, original function and ceremonial history are unknown. It is therefore offered as an older Dan-style African collectible rather than with a guaranteed ceremonial attribution.CONDITION:Pre-owned and in aged, unrestored condition. The wooden face displays scratches, abrasions, finish loss, discoloration, dust, small holes and natural irregularities. The textile components are heavily worn, faded, soiled and frayed, with splits and losses along some edges. Cowrie shells and attachments show wear; some decorations may be loose, repositioned or missing. The projecting mouth and nose exhibit areas of surface loss and lighter exposed wood.The reverse shows extensive age-related wear and a later wire hanger. Possible historic insect holes or wood-boring activity may be present, although no determination has been made regarding their age. Please carefully inspect every photograph, including the reverse, textile attachments and shell decorations. Photographs form an essential part of the condition description.The mask has not been cleaned, polished, restored or treated by the current owner and is being sold as found.