Dan wood mask, "Standing Beauty"

Versatile carver Kwasi Forson finds inspiration in the customs of Liberia and Sierra Leone to create this stunning piece. A tall, detailed headdress crowns a female face, for this mask is to be worn by a female elder of the Dans when she dances for the Sande women's society. Forson's mask celebrates the Mende ideals of feminine beauty and virtue. Elegantly carved from local sese wood, the mask is embellished with red clay, blue polish, and beads. With an integrated base, this mask of female wonder is certain to impress the mask aficionado.