Face mask "zakpai"
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Lot: 218
101st AuctionFace mask "zakpai"
Côte d'Ivoire, Dan
| Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| Werner Muensterberger (1913-2010), New York City, USA Nils von der Heyde, Hamburg, Germany |
H: 8.9 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, iron pin, missing parts (insect caused damage), base
The "zakpai" type of mask is also called "fire prevention mask". It mainly appears during the dry season and its function is to ensure that women extinguish cooking fires after use to prevent afternoon winds spreading fire through the village and bushes. It is worn by the fastest runner in the village supposed to warn the inhabitants and to call for help in case of fire.
