Mask "tankagle" · Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3035444
Swiss Private Collection
Description
wood, slightly shiny black patina, narrow sea slits with silver metal framing deepened in a horizontal line, arching eyebrows arranged in concentrical lines, raised vertical forehead ridge, diamond-shaped mouth with metal teeth, diadem and forehead ornament from raffia bast embroidered with nassa snails (loose), slightly dam. (nose tip), paint rubbed off;
“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 a voluminous fibre skirt. Completed by “komo”, a bow-shaped bonnet decorated with applications. The mask type performs with orchestra and singers or on its own with a companion.
Comparing literature
Fischer, Eberhard & Hans Himmelheber, Die Kunst der Dan, Zürich 1976, p. 55 ff.