Mask Judge Zadogue

Dan · Côte d’Ivoire

Reference: MFC-11

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Material
Wood and pigments.

When conflicts arise between members of masked societies, this conflict will be settled by another mask, which has under its jurisdiction all the peoples that constitute…

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Full original description

When conflicts arise between members of masked societies, this conflict will be settled by another mask, which has under its jurisdiction all the peoples that constitute its canton. This mask goes from village to village and settles existing conflicts. Previously, all masks come to the sacred forest to expose conflicts. Each mask speaks with a distorted voice. Before the trial begins, a cane is placed between the two antagonists and justice is administered. The mask found guilty pays a fine to the society of masks. These trials are not subject to appeal.

There is also a mask of mask bearers, it is an identity mask. It is a small mask that has two main functions:

a.- Prevent entry into the sacred forest for those who have no right of access. Showing this little mask can be accessed.

b.- Carrying this small mask with you while wearing the large mask protects your wearer against the spirit of the great mask. These masks can dance for a whole day, without showing fatigue.

When a conflict arises in the village between several individuals of different clans, a mask disperses the antagonists and sends each party to their neighborhood. It sets a deadline for filing a complaint before the great mask of justice and the day of the deliberations is forming a “trident” between the two pleitants. The sentences handed down by the mask are not subject to appeal at the village level, but the other party may resort to another mask of justice from another people to repeat the trial.

Further technical information
Attributed period
First of the century XX or earlier.

Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.

Country on the map

Côte d’Ivoire. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.

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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.

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