An unusually old mask of the Dan-Kran, depicting a monkey (chimpanzee or guenon). The dances of the ‘Kagle masks’ in the villages of the Dan-Kran are wild and aggressive, and involve full body costumes and hooked sticks.
The present ‘Kagle mask’, made of hard yet lightweight wood and dyed black, displays characteristic forms: a short, bulging forehead, deep-set, triangular eyes, protruding, triangular cheeks and a large, open mouth. At the top of the head is a (typical) iron pin. The present ‘Kagle mask’ is an especially old type, as suggested by the rectangular (rather than round) shape of the fastening eyelets for the mask costume along the edge of the mask, as well as by its tongue, which is made of red dyed terracotta. It also features black-dyed terracotta under the eyes and on the top of the head. An extraordinarily good piece with matching old usage patina (especially on the inside!).
Only minor, slight age-related damage (fine tears and some pieces broken off).
Early 20th century; H: 26 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Collection; Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Die Kunst der Dan' by Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber, Rietberg Museum Zurich, fig. 78, 79.