A Dan Mask, "tankagle" Lot n° 14

Mask, "tankagle Dan, Côte d'Ivoire Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. H 19,5 cm. Provenance: - According to collection sheet: Galerie l'Accrossonge, Claude Lebas, Paris, 1991. - Sandro Bocola (1931-2022), Zurich. Because the use and meaning of the masks, in addition to the geographically always existing differences, has changed over time, subsequent statements about the use at that time are sometimes difficult. There is much to suggest that this was a tankagle ("pantomimic dancing masked figure"), which entertained its audience at festivals by varied dancing, singing or performing small scenes. She could perform with orchestra and singers as well as individually with an accompanist. On the other hand, it could also be a mask called deangle, which belonged to the circumcision camp and was a mediator between initiates and the village. These masked figures moved gracefully, joked with the women and asked them to send abundant food to the camp. Further reading: Fischer, Eberhard / Himmelheber, Hans (1976). The Art of Dan. Zurich: Museum Rietberg. CHF 800 / 1 200 EUR 800 / 1 200