Anthropomorphic face mask "tankagle"

Côte d'Ivoire, Dan

sold EUR 9,000

Provenance

Lode van Rijn, Galerie Khepri, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1970)
Cees van Strien, Capelle a/d Ijssel, The Netherlands
Lucien van de Velde, Antwerp, Belgium (2004)
Frank van Craen, Brussels, Belgium (2008)
Victor van Craen, Antwerp, Belgium (2008)

Size

H: 23 cm

H: 9.1 inch

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, strongly encrusted in some areas, fine modelled face with narrow see slits and metal teeth (one missing), stiff plant fibre plaits at the temples (attachment renewed), banded tattoos in herringbone pattern contouring the face, metal tag on the forehead, drilled holes in three rows in upper head area (for attachment of a costume/ornament), minor damage at the same place, patina chipped off, base;
“tankagle” means pantomimic dancing mask figure. Such masks used to entertain the audience with varied dances, sometimes with playing little scenes or singing. Their costume consists of a fabric tippet and voluminous fibre skirt; completed by “komo”, a bow-shaped bonnet decorated with applications.