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African & Tribal Art :
Dan Masks : Dan Wooden Deangle Face Mask
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Dan Wooden Deangle Face Mask - PF.4506
Origin: Liberia/Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
12" (30.5cm) high
x 8" (20.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood and Metal
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Dan believe the world is divided into two
distinct realms: the village, including its
inhabitants and human-made utensils; and the
domain of the forest, with its wild animals,
cultivatable fields and bon spirits. Crossing the
dividing line between the two worlds is
dangerous; both in the real, physical sense and
in the spiritual. Communication was made
between humans and spirits through dreams.
The wooden masks of the Dan are the
incarnation of the supernatural force called Gle,
who lives in the forest and wishes to participate
in the village. Since it is invisible, it must appear
in full form in the dream of a male initiate, who
would then go to the village elders and tell them
of his vision. They were the ones to decide
whether to have a mask created and worn by the
dreamer.
Spirits come in as many forms and variety as the
masks, which are designed to depict the
individual qualities of the different entities.
Through the medium of the mask, human and
spirit interact, becoming one in song and dance,
frolicking in joy, twisting and turning in mock
possession; in a sense, learning from one
another in trance. The mask has a serious role to
play, especially in initiation ceremonies, as did
this remarkable example. Its features resemble
the Deangle - with her oval face, slitted eyes,
and metal teeth. She is a benevolent female spirit
who acts as intermediary between young people
undergoing initiation and the village. When she
participates in a ritual ceremony, she undergoes
a transformation and is renamed Bonagle. She
neither sings nor dances but seeks food from the
women; chasing them around the village, joking
and teasing them in the spirit of fun. Her face is
delicate and smooth, her eyes touched with a
hint of mischief, her mouth open in amusement
and gaiety. In knowing her character we can feel
her playfulness, and the pleasure she gave to
young girls laughing and running with their
friends.
- (PF.4506)
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