Mug, Dan Zakpai mask with half-closed eyes

Among the Dan people, in western Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, a spirit may appear in a dream to ask that a mask be carved for it.

On this porcelain mug, a Dan mask with a dark, sculpted face is depicted on the side, framed by long fibers. The black and grey pencil drawing stands out against the white porcelain, and a fine grey border underlines the base of the mug. We pay tribute to the iconic “Dan Masks.”

🎭 The story of the motif

Among the Dan people, in western Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, a spirit may appear in a dream to ask that a mask be carved for it. Masks with feminine features, such as the Deangle, are benevolent.

• Dan (Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia): also known as the Yacouba.
• Deangle (Côte d’Ivoire, Dan): a benevolent spirit with feminine features, an oval face, and almond-shaped eyes.

✨ What the motif tells

For the Dan people, the mask allows spirits to take part in human life. The symbolism of the motif lies in the place given to spirits in human life.

Our reinterpretation

On this mug, the mask transitions from a three-dimensional form to a drawing on the side of the piece: it is drawn in black and grey pencil on a white background, with a fine grey border at the base. The “Zakpai” Dan mask features an oval face with raised features, a prominent nose and mouth. Its almost closed eyes are framed by a headband, beneath a voluminous headdress of braids and small cowrie shell ornaments. This mug is decorated to order in our Alfortville workshop: the motif is prepared, applied and glazed by hand before firing.

At your table

In the morning light, on a linen tablecloth, this mug finds its place among a few guests. A gift for someone who wishes to keep close a respectful evocation of Dan masks and the place of spirits in human life.

Features

• Contents: 1 mug, motif on the outside.
• Colors: black, grey, white.
• Material: porcelain.
• Dimensions: Mug: Ø 8 cm, height 9.1 cm, 30 cl.
• Personalization: colors, first name, date or message upon request; mask of your choice from hundreds of African-inspired models, drawn from authentic representations preserved in museums, coming from all countries in Africa, according to what touches or moves the person.
• In case of breakage: replacement of the individual item is possible (same motif, same dimensions), as long as the shape remains in the catalog.
• In the same motif: coffee cup, mug.

To personalize your mug around the Dan mask, write to us: we will prepare the motif that touches you, respecting this symbolism.