African Arts Gallery

Ex-collection Belgian African art.
Shez the Danes, it is in order to be honored that spirits manifest themselves in the course of dreams. They then indicate the details of the masks to be made. Dan African masks, of varied design, usually perform at very theatrical entertainment parties where women play a leading role. Each mask has a name related to its function. The mask kagle, kaoglé , with triangular reliefs, was displayed in joyful evolutions during which the dancer threw sticks at the audience. The Dans also sculpt, according to the soothsayer's indications, miniature masks on the model of large masks. They are worn in amulets by children. The dark, lustrous patina of the Dan's African masks was obtained by immersion in mud baths. Desication cracks.
Pièce acquired by Mr. Guy Mercier, consultant for the Solvay group, who began to assemble a vast collection of African tribal art at the beginning of the 20th century. While radiating in West and Central Africa as part of his work, and collecting in-situ works, the majority of his collection is nevertheless derived from Curiosity cabinets which abounded in European capitals during the 1920s. It also comes from prestigious galleries (Paris, Brussels, London, New York)