Kran Kagle Mask. Kran people. Cote D'Ivoire. West Africa. Early 20th Century.

This is a used, functioning mask, as can be seen by the wear marks that show at the attachment holes. Pre 1940's.

The Kran are a subset of the Dan/We people. Masks are owned by families and appear in ceremonies whose function is social commentary.

Kagle is an important mythical character based on the chimpanzee, a troublemaker. A Kagle dancer performs a wild dance, mimicking the appearance and antisocial behaviour of the chimpanzees, demonstrating the wildness of nature and dangers inherent in stepping outside of civilised societal norm. The dance becomes an instruction to the community on proper conduct.

Wood, metal, remnant white pigment..

Measurements: 400mm High, 190mm Wide 180mm Deep