Very ancient Kran mask, Liberia/Ivory Coast Hard... Lot 41

Very ancient Kran mask, Liberia/Ivory Coast Hard wood with a superb patina H. 26 cm Very ancient Kran mask, Liberia/Ivory Coast H. 10 1/4 in Provenance: - Collection Jean-Paul Delcourt, Abidjan, circa 1970 - European private collection The Kran are a population living mainly in Liberia. They are famous for their ancient and wild masks, often very architectural. Here the nasal and upper lip volumes have merged, giving birth to a terrifying creature with a wide open mouth and impressive teeth. The eyes are wide open and surrounded by hatched patterns. The large forehead is separated vertically by a narrow median volume characteristic of the masks of the Kru people, and ends at the top of a rim, suitable for the attachment of a headdress or dance costume. The interior of this mask and its magnificent patina of use testify to its great antiquity.