The ‘Deangle’ Dan mask – which is always represented with narrow, slit eyes – is a friendly, helpful character. She looks after the young initiates, cooks for them and accompanies them on visits from their secluded bush camp to their home village.
The present ‘Deangle mask’ is especially delicately crafted. It has been carved from hard brown wood and dyed black on the front side. It displays the typical narrow, slit ‘Deangle eyes’ – they are surrounded here by a gentle line. It also has a small, slightly curved nose and a small protruding, open mouth filled with black teeth (2 teeth are missing, 2 are still present) that rests above the pointed chin. The somewhat curved forehead, as well as both cheeks, bear carefully carved stripes in relief – typical scarification marks of the tribe. It seems to suggest that this mask originates from the sub-tribe of the Dan Mano or Dan Nyor, in the northern area of settlement of the Dan.
The extraordinarily beautiful mask also displays a large wig-like hairstyle made of braided, dark-brown plant fibres (attached with woven fabric). There is an excellent, old shiny patina on the front and back and on the inside there is a convincing usage patina with a light shine in the right places (where the nose, cheeks and chin of the dancer have rubbed against the mask). No significant damage. Height: 27 cm; width: 18 cm (hairstyle). First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
French private collection; currently: Viennese private collection.

Lit.:
'Die Kunst der Dan' by Fischer & Himmelheber, Museum Rietberg, Zurich, fig. 32, 36.