These ‘fire runner masks’ (characterised by their large, round eyes) were worn by young men who ran through the villages of the Dan during drought in order to extinguish ‘forgotten’ stove fires while the women are at work in the fields. The present, typical ‘fire runner mask’ (also known as ‘Zakpai mask’) displays all the characteristic forms of this type: carved in hard, brown wood and dyed black on the front. With a high, bulging forehead, round eyes, a small, curved, slightly concave nose and an accentuated mouth with ‘pouting’ lips over a pointed chin.
A special feature of this piece: the mask displays a hairstyle made of braided, black-dyed bast on the top of the head, with plaits to the left and right of the face, as well as a long bast beard. An undoubtedly old piece with very good usage patina on the outside and especially on the inside! Only minor, age-related damage to the back rim (small pieces broken off).
First third of the 20th century; H: 25 cm (without beard). (ME)

Lit.: 'Die Kunst der Dan' by Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber, Museum Rietberg Zurich, fig. 42, 44, 50, 51, 52, 58; 'Trésors de Cote d'Ivoire' by Francois Neyt, fig. 9, 10, 11.