Lot 94

West African Dan Peoples Wood Kagle-Style Mask

Previous image preload Next image preload

West African Dan Peoples Wood Kagle-Style Mask

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

West Africa, Liberia and Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Mande group, Bete / Dan peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A striking wooden kagle-style mask featuring exaggerated facial features, including elongated parted lips, a wedge-shaped nose, a pronounced brow, and narrow, slitted eyes. The rim is perforated for attaching raffia tassels or integrating the mask into a full costume. The modern border between Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia cuts across the homelands of several related Mande groups, including the Dan and Bete, whose masks play central roles in ritual life. In Dan society, such masks often represent powerful and potentially dangerous forest spirits, embodying forces that exist beyond the material world. The kagle is especially known for its unruly and unpredictable presence during ceremonies, where it deliberately disrupts the social order - paradoxically serving to reinforce the community's values by emphasizing the importance of discipline, control, and societal cohesion. Size: 6" W x 11" H (15.2 cm x 27.9 cm); 18.5" H (47 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#193739

  • Condition: White stains on the nose from modern paint splatter as shown. Some minor abrasions and fissures to the surface, but otherwise good condition with nice patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000