Old African Dan Style Carved Wood Mask Cowrie Shell Raffia Beard Liberia For Sale

OLD WEST AFRICAN DAN/WE-STYLE CARVED WOOD MASK WITH COWRIE SHELLS AND FIBER BEARDPowerful older West African mask hand-carved from a substantial piece of wood and fitted with an elaborate mixed-material headdress.The highly sculptural face features a tall domed forehead divided by a raised central ridge, prominent closed or heavily lidded eyes, sharply projecting cheeks, a broad nose and a deeply projecting open mouth. The exaggerated profile gives the mask exceptional depth and presence when viewed from the side.A coarse woven textile covering surrounds the upper edge and is decorated with natural cowrie shells. A dense, long natural-fiber beard or fringe is attached around the lower face. Together, the carved wood, shells, textile and fiber create a dramatic object suitable for a serious African-art collection or prominent wall display.The hollowed reverse displays substantial age-related wear, darkened wood, visible carving marks, old attachment holes and a large irregular patch or repair secured around its perimeter. A small later hanging loop or wire is present near the upper edge. Faint handwritten markings are also visible inside.The overall form and materials appear broadly consistent with carving traditions associated with the Dan and neighboring We/Guere cultural region of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. However, no written provenance accompanies the mask, and it has not been independently authenticated. Its precise maker, cultural attribution, date, original purpose and ceremonial history remain unknown. It is therefore offered as an older Dan/We-style West African collectible rather than with a guaranteed tribal or ritual attribution.CONDITION:Aged, unrestored condition with extensive wear consistent with its materials and possible age. The wooden face has scratches, abrasions, dust, discoloration, finish loss, small holes, edge wear, surface irregularities and lighter exposed areas. A visible age crack runs through part of the projecting mouth.The woven textile is worn, faded, dusty, frayed and separated in places. The natural-fiber beard is tangled, brittle-looking, uneven and shedding in areas. Cowrie shells and their attachments show wear; some shells or attachments may be loose, damaged, repositioned or missing.The reverse contains an old-looking irregular patch or repair with stitching or attachment holes around its perimeter. A later hanging device and faint handwritten markings are present. Possible historic insect holes may be visible, although their age and activity have not been determined.No cleaning, polishing, oiling or restoration has been performed by the current owner. Please study all photographs carefully, including the profiles, reverse, mouth crack, textile, shells and fiber components. Photographs are an essential part of the condition description. Sold as found.