African Wooden Female Figure

The Dan are a farming people who inhabit the hinterland of the western Ivory Coast and Liberia. They have a great number of masked figures that represent spirits of the bush, and fulfill a variety of social, political, and religious functions. In addition to these masks, there are several examples of wooden figures created by the Dan people.

This female figure presents a style that originates from the border of the Dan and Kran territories in Liberia. The figure is shown with an elaborate braided hairstyle split into rows as well as closed slits for eyes. The neck features folds that are defined by encised lines. Along the body are some unique hatched line engravings from the chest through the navel. The arms and legs on this figure are large and narrow at the point of the joints, leading to wide, flat hands and feet.

These wooden figures are rare among this region, with masks being the most common creations. It is likely that they are created as portraits in the likeness of the first wife of a chief, for instance. An object of great prestige, a figure like this would be meticulously cared for and perhaps only brought out for important guests.