Mask "tankagle"
Côte d'Ivoire, Dan
not available anymore
Provenance
Hans Hess, Basel, Switzerland (1972)Swiss Private Collection
Size
H: 21 cm
H: 8.3 inch
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.