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Mask
tankagle
unidentified Liberian
Liberian
----
undated
Like the previous example, this mask was used in thetankagle masquerade of the Dan. Tankagle means "dancing, miming masquerade" and the masks entertain the villagers. "These characters may appear with an orchestra and a chorus, or with a single attendant, gekie . They carry calebash rattles, and like unmasked dancers, usually wear leg rattles as well. They entertain the spectators with various beautiful dances, and sometimes they perform short skits or songs" (Fischer 1984:23). In contrast to most of the notes published in earlier popular studies of African masks, neither this nor other Dan mask types is associated with the Poro , the international initiation society found among other groups in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Neither the Dan nor the nearby We (Gere) and Mano have the Poro .The Poro is a hierarchical society in which every man has a rank corresponding to his qualifications for admission. Dan society is far more democratic and egalitarian, and there is no segregation in the circumcision camp based on social status (Fischer 1984:103). -- Professor Christopher Roy, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Guinea Coast Africa Liberia
Dan
Height: 10 1/8 inches Width: 5 7/8 inches Depth: 4 inches
Wood, metal, pigment
The Stanley Collection
University of Iowa. Stanley Museum of Art
X1986_481
7/5/2007
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wood (plant material) metal pigment
183425165
Worn on face in dances
Religion Spirit
Represents forest spirit