Dan ritual implement
Dan peoples
Liberia and Ivory Coast
Early to mid 20th century
H. 39 cm
An intriguing hand-carved wooden ritual implement known as a "kedie" (sometimes called a "stella") with a flat base, a conical body, and a slender neck surmounted by an anthropomorphic head. Incised striated designs adorn the body and shoulder, while a lengthy, ribbed neck supports the head. The stylized visage displays slender eyes, straight brows, a triangular nose, and fleshy lips, all surmounted by a carefully striated coiffure. Kedie are important ceremonial figures used by village leaders to assist in the judgment of others' actions and are kept in special shrines when not in use
Dan peoples
Liberia and Ivory Coast
Early to mid 20th century
H. 39 cm
An intriguing hand-carved wooden ritual implement known as a "kedie" (sometimes called a "stella") with a flat base, a conical body, and a slender neck surmounted by an anthropomorphic head. Incised striated designs adorn the body and shoulder, while a lengthy, ribbed neck supports the head. The stylized visage displays slender eyes, straight brows, a triangular nose, and fleshy lips, all surmounted by a carefully striated coiffure. Kedie are important ceremonial figures used by village leaders to assist in the judgment of others' actions and are kept in special shrines when not in use
Dan peoples
Liberia and Ivory Coast
Early to mid 20th century
H. 39 cm
An intriguing hand-carved wooden ritual implement known as a "kedie" (sometimes called a "stella") with a flat base, a conical body, and a slender neck surmounted by an anthropomorphic head. Incised striated designs adorn the body and shoulder, while a lengthy, ribbed neck supports the head. The stylized visage displays slender eyes, straight brows, a triangular nose, and fleshy lips, all surmounted by a carefully striated coiffure. Kedie are important ceremonial figures used by village leaders to assist in the judgment of others' actions and are kept in special shrines when not in use