Early 20th Century Dan Figural Scepter Cote d'Ivoire MATTER COLLECTION

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This finely carved wooden scepter originates from the Dan people of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, a culture renowned for its … Read more This finely carved wooden scepter originates from the Dan people of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, a culture renowned for its refined sculptural traditions and spiritually resonant forms. The piece is crowned with an elegantly rendered female head, featuring a high, rounded forehead, elongated facial structure, delicately closed eyes, and intricately carved coiffure, hallmarks of Dan aesthetic ideals emphasizing beauty, composure, and inner strength.
The elongated shaft is rhythmically segmented with geometric carving, including crosshatching and diagonal banding that add both visual texture and tactile depth. The sculpted head transitions into a balanced, tapering handle, giving the work a strong vertical presence and harmonious proportions.
Scepters such as this were often associated with status, leadership, or ceremonial authority, serving as symbols of prestige and social distinction. The smooth, darkened patina suggests age and handling, enhancing its authenticity and sculptural warmth.







Height (In) 15.5Width (In) 4.5Depth (In) 3.0







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