Kran (Liberia). Face Mask (Kagle). Wood, hide, nails, fiber. Height: 8 5/8 inches Width: 5 3/8 inches Depth: 4 ¼ inche...

Description

Kran (Liberia)
Face Mask (Kagle)
Wood, hide, nails, fiber
Height: 8 5/8 inches Width: 5 3/8 inches Depth: 4 ¼ inches

This is a classic example of the kagle, or hooked-stick masquerade. The origin of this latter term is discussed nearby. "The masquerade usually wears the blüa cotton wig; over each ear he has a bundle of short feathers or a bunch of leaves. His costume is a baggy skirt of raffia fiber and a mantle of material" (Eberhard Fischer and Hans Himmelheber. The Art of the Dan in West Africa. Zürich: Rietberg Museum, 1984, p.67). Many of the nails which were used to attach the clothing are now missing. The hide mouth covering at the articulated lower jaw has lost its hair. The whole mask has the wear that is found on an old and much-used mask.

Provenance: Hans Himmelheber
Sotheby's New York



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