Anthropomorphic bird mask "geayagle" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Diomande · ID: 3035525

Description

wood, shiny brown patina, characteristic linear incisions framing the face, pierced around the rim, min. dam., fine cracks, small missing parts, traces of abrasion, socle;
the Diomande are a small ethnical group of the Dan cluster, belonging to the Konyanke, with their settling area in northwestern Côte d’ Ivoire and adjacent areas of Guinea. Masks of the Diomande have been erroneously attributed to the Dan. They are characterized by their elongated faces and linear skin scarification marks which frame the whole face. Present mask probably belongs to the big group of “kagle” mask figures and performs for entertainment. She got her name from a friendly bird, which is said to bring good luck to the people by hearing or seeing him.

Littérature comparée

Einstein, Carl, Negerplastik, München 1920, ill. 31