Anthropomorphic mask
Guinea/Liberia, Dan-Guerze (Kpelle)
sold
EUR 5,000
Provenance
Robert Duperrier, Paris, France (1978)Vittorio Carini, Bergamo, Italy
Italian Collection, Roma
Size
H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, black paint/mass, brass earrings, abundant wig from fine plaited plant fibre strings, angular structure on the face, metal teeth, the eyes striking small and narrow slit, slightly dam., upper lip modelled with blackish mass, old rep. (resin, cord) at the rim, metal base.
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.