Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Deangle Mask

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Deangle Mask

Traditional Dan society vested political leadership in a council of elders. Masks served as agents of social control, enforcing the council's rules and orders. The specific functions of individual masks are impossible to determine once removed from their village contexts. Nevertheless, in this case the nearly closed eyes and small mouth contrast with those of other masks, and probably indicate that this mask served in a peacemaking capacity and generally created harmony in a community.

• Culture: Dan
• Medium: Wood, pigment
• Geographical Locations:
  • Possible place made: Ivory Coast
  • Possible place made: Liberia
• Dates: late 19th-early 20th century
• Dimensions: 9 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 1 15/16 in. (24.1 x 14 x 5 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 80.244
• Credit Line: Gift of Evelyn K. Kossak
• Image: Overall, 80.244_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Dan. Deangle Mask, late 19th-early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 9 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 1 15/16 in. (24.1 x 14 x 5 cm) . Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Evelyn K. Kossak, 80.244 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 80.244_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Oval shaped with full lips that are arched, delicate nose with slightly flared nostrils, and coffee bean shaped slit eyes. Forehead is rounded and has a median ridge. Eyes are rimmed in thin line of white pigment that extends to bridge of nose. The rim of the mask is pierced for attachments. The entire surface has a deep rich brown glossy patina. The entire surface has a deep rich brown glossy patina. Condition: Very good. Surface erosion, particularly on forehead area and on rim as a result of wear and use. There are 4 small openings in upper lip where metal teeth (no longer present) were inserted; the fifth opening on right still has the tooth.