TAKANGLE MASK
20th c.
Dan Peoples, Ivory Coast, Liberia
Wood, metal, plant fiber, pigment, 9 x 5 1/2 in.
Gift of Elaine Kniffen,Class of 1936
1997.005.009

 

Among the Dan peoples, village entertainments are an important part of social life, but also are necessary for the well-being of the village.Takangle masks are produced for these entertainments, during which masked dancers on stilts perform pantomimes, sing, tell proverbs, and offer benediction to on-lookers. Often they are accompanied by singers and musicians. The word "takangle" means "entertainment mask," even though these masks are sacred and are considered to be personifications of forest spirits called du. These spirits communicate to the village through the takangle, which is worn by a man from the village chosen by the du in a dream.

 



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