West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan peoples, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. A fabulous example of a wooden mask from the Dan peoples known as a "kagle" (spirit mask) enveloped in fine dark-brown patina. The highly stylized and angular visage is composed of a jutting forehead over recessed sockets with cutout eyes, sharp cheeks, and an elongated wedge shaped nose over beak like lips. The lower lip panel is a separate piece attached to the mask with knotted ratan cords, so the mouth articulates as the wearer moves. The periphery is lined with perforations meant to attach to a larger costume or headdress, and the verso is carved out and intended for wear. Kagle masks are seen as troublemakers within the village, meant to disrupt social festivals with aggression and erraticism. Their true purpose is to teach and reinforce how societal institutions behave when disturbed, relying on discipline and order to preserve their foundations. Size: 5.5" L x 4.5" W x 9" H (14 cm x 11.4 cm x 22.9 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Published: Camp, James R. "Treasures from the Ivory Coast." Sept. 24th – Nov. 5th, 1977, J. Camp Associates, New York, New York. Page 27, figure 73.

A copy of this booklet will accompany this piece.

For a similar example please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 1979.206.219.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-J. Camp collection, New York, USA, 1977, AHDRC object ao-0158828; ex-collection of Mark Isaacson and Greg Nacozy

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170823

Old inactive insect activity and small cavities on lips and verso. Old loss to inner rim and old chips that have smoothed over due to age. Surface abrasions and chips to visage as expected with age and use. Dark patina throughout and overall excellent condition.