Dan Bowl

History

Dan people of the Ivory Coast West Africa. The Dan are known for their superb woodwork. Masks are the single most paramount form of artwork created by the Dan, creating a bridge between the supernatural and physical worlds. Everyday items carrying their own importance are also carved from wood such as bowls and the very superb Dan spoons. The tradition within the tribes throughout Africa demands the celebration of special times whether that be initiation, marriage, funeral, and a celebration of harvest for which a bowl of this style would be brought out and used. Harvest season having its special importance held between November and February, numerous festivities, lasting several days to several weeks are held. Each villager contributes to the festival what they can and after various occasions and many dance performances, it would be the women who prepare the final feast. Artistically designed and delicately decorated wooden bowls such as this are used to carry and distribute food such as rice sharing all the villager’s contributions bringing the celebrations to a close.