This unusual mask type belongs to the ‘Do society’ of the Ligbi and Kulango people and is used during large dance feasts.
The mask is called ‘Yangalele’. It is carved from hard, heavy wood and coloured black and brown. It has a smooth, oval human face with simple carved-out eyes and decorative scarification marks on both cheeks. It was originally dyed black and red and has a small, closed mouth. In front of the smooth face and in the middle of the forehead of the mask a bird’s head ‘hangs’ with its neck pointing vertically downwards, towards the chin. A marvellous ‘invention’ and yet a traditional African mask. It has been carved from one piece of wood. The bird represents a hornbill which, as the mythical ‘Calao bird’, is deemed ‘sacred’ among many ethnic groups in this area (e.g among the Senufo, neighbours and relatives of the Ligbi and Kulango people). On both sides the mask displays narrow, long projections – reminiscent of the side projections of the ‘Kpelie’ or ‘Kodal masks’ of the Senufo people (see also cat. no. 40). This idiosyncratic and rare mask type, ‘Yangalele’, belongs to the ‘Do society’ of the Ligbi and Kulango people and is used during the annual dance feasts of these tribes. The present, old example of such a ‘Yangalele mask’ is in very good condition. There is a slight, insignificant loss to the lower rim at the back. Otherwise no damage. It has a beautiful shiny patina on the front and a noticeable, and in parts, shiny and smooth usage patina along the edges and surfaces of the inner back side. A perfect, rare and charming piece. Height: 25 cm; width: 15 cm. first half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
French private collection; currently: Viennese private collection.

Lit.:
'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 371; 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, fig. 147.