This is an old and rare Dan Mask from Liberia in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo . Masks are the most important art form of the Dan. Masks
are created more than any other form of sculpture. Spiritually, Dan
masks are perceived to embody the most powerful of spirit forces.
Socially, Dan masks are the means of bringing control and order to
village life. These masks provide the strongest
impressions of a
young Dan person's earliest experience, as their importance is
reinforced by their presence at all significant events. This style of
the Dan is called a Kagle and is the rough and vigorously dancing mask
that takes its name from the hooked sticks it carries and hurls into the
crowd. It is believed that this was done in former times to excite the
town in preparation for battle. Despite its rough display, it is
greatly loved, particularly by men who make a game of avoiding its
hooked stick and other forms of attack. A Kagle mask is said to be
associated with the chief, who used it to test loyalties during times of
war. All representations of the Dan Kagle mask has a wig of shaggy
cotton yarn, painted faces and can have raffia, feathers, teeth and fur.
Dan masks are the real treasures of African art and tradition, ranging
in their expressive powers from gentle tenderness to fierce aggression.
This mask was collected in the field 20 years ago. This is a One of a
Kind mask and would be a wonderful addition to your collection. It has a
wonderful patina and shows age.
Comes on Stand
14" long
10" wide
4" deep
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