Wooden mask - Kaogle - Kran - Ivory Coast

Very expressive and colourful mask from the Ivory Coast. Tis specific mask was used by the Kran-people of the Ivory-Coast or Eastern Liberia. Well-used piece.
These masked could be used in certain circumstances like when problems arise in a community and the bearer of this mask functions as a judge to uphold the social order. It can also be used to enforce laws and taboos in a community with its fierce and agressive appereance. But also when dancing its menacing face can ward off evil spirits or negative energies. This mask was collected in Southern-Ivory Coast in the late 1980,s and comes from a private Dutch collection. Height; 33 cm. On a sturdy steel socle.