African Arts Gallery

African mask “Déanglé” wearing a thick braided adornment. The face with a concave center bears half-closed, prominent eyelids, a short nose surmounting a protruding triangular mouth whose lips are parted. Smooth, matte, black patina. Abrasions. Height on base: 34 cm.
It was following dreams in which the spirits would manifest themselves that the masks were sculpted according to precise indications, in order to be honored through their appearances.
Dan masks, of varying craftsmanship, generally occur during very theatrical entertainment parties where women play a leading role. The so-called "mocking" mask called Déanglé defines an ideal of beauty and benevolence because it is sculpted in honor of the young girls of the village or famous men. Each of the masks had a name related to its function. Also used during circumcision rites, they appear in the company of the gle sö singing masks and the large go ge masks relating to the go society, who exercises justice and maintains social stability.