|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Dan Masks : Dan Wooden Tankagle Mask
|
 |
|
|
|
Dan Wooden Tankagle Mask - PF.1265
Origin: Liberia/Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9.875" (25.1cm) high
x 5.125" (13.0cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Dan
Medium: Wood, Metal
$7,200.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The life of the Dan people is governed by the
Poro society, an organization for men that trains
and initiates boys in the community’s laws and
in general maintains order and traditions. Many
different masks are used for the society’s
ceremonies. Judges, protectors, diviners, and
watchmen all have an identifying mask type, and
others are made to use in circumcision rites, to
guard against trespassers, and to collect food
that is brought back to the boys in their Poro
initiation camps. One form is even worn by a
guardian who sees that women extinguish their
fires at noon in the dry season.
The “tankagle” mask represents a
beneficent woman and, with its smooth surfaces,
naturalistic details, well carved facial planes, and
half closed eyes, is understandably regarded as
beautiful by the Dan. Such masks are worn by
performers who appear sometimes with an
attendant and at other times with a chorus or
orchestra. They dance, sing, tell proverbs, and
bless the onlookers. A cone shaped cap is often
worn on the top of the mask. Most of the Dan
live in Liberia, but a small number occupy part of
neighboring Guinea. This mask exhibits a fine
mellow medium brown patina and metal teeth
and eyelids. The metal would have been
polished to reflect the light of the campfires
emphasizing the mystery of the performance.
- (PF.1265)
|
| |
|
