Mask - Dan / Liberia

Dan masks are characterized as much by their variety, as by the fact that the same kind of mask can be used in different areas for different purposes. In this case, this Dan mask is known as a Déanglé (also known as Tankaglé). The face, in its center is concave and offers particularly fine features to the face it represents. Her finely sculpted lips come to animate this face intended as "mocking". Indeed, the Déanglé masks are defined by the representation of an ideal of beauty and benevolence because they are sculpted in honor of young girls from the village or famous men. Note the metal inserts that have been added to to amplify the anthropomorphism of this mask. The particularly fine almond-shaped eyes are typical of female Dan masks. It should be noted that the craftsmen enhance the finesse of the lines of the mask with a shiny patina introduced into the wood, using vegetable substances. When it dries, the patina imparts a soft color resembling the use of lacquer.