Anthropomorphic face mask "tankagle" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Dan/Liberia, Mano · ID: 3038498

Description

wood, slightly shiny blackish brown patina, mother of pearl splinters as teeth, narrow slit eyes, sickle-shaped cheek scarifications, straight nose with round bridge, slightly dam. (right eye), missing parts (chin, backside at the rim), abrasion of paint;
present mask can be classified most likely as “tankagle” type, which means as much as “pantomimic dancing mask figure”. Such masks used to entertain the audience with varied dances, sometimes with playing little scenes or by singing. The rich patina results from immersing the masks in a special liquid of leaves soaked in water and soot. When the mask is dry, it is rubbed until the surface becomes completely black and shiny.

Comparing literature

Morigi, Paolo, Raccolta di un amatore d'arte primitiva, Berna 1980, p. 407