Men with these ‘Deangle masks’, as well as full body costumes with bast skirts, watch over and look after the young initiates during their time in the secluded bush camp. Here they are instructed on the values, myths and traditions of their tribe. These ‘Deangle masked beings’ take care of the young boys by giving them food and leading them to visit the village etc. ‘Deangle Masks’ are recognisable from their slit eyes, in contrast to the ‘fire runner masks’, which have large, round eyes.
The present ‘Deangle mask’ is carved from hard, light-coloured wood and dyed dark brown. It is old, well crafted but its highly ‘cubist’ forms are unusual. The distended forehead, as well as the striking protruding parts of the square nose and the large, wide mouth with ‘drooping’ corners of the mouth are all features that suggest a strong artistic influence of the styles of the Dan subgroup the Dan Kran, also known as Wè or Ngere. It is possible that this ‘Deangle mask’ was produced by a very good Dan Kran carver. An impressive piece with a ‘powerful’ iron pin on the crown. It only has minor age-related damage on the right, back rim as well a very good usage patina (especially on the back, on the inside). Height: 25 cm; first half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Bedeau Collection, Antwerp, Belgium; Austrian private collection.

Lit.:
'Die Kunst der Dan' by Eberhard Fischer & Hans Himmelheber, Rietberg Museum, Zurich, ill. 14, 34, 40.