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Bagle

Maker Dan

Date19th-20th century

Possible placeLiberia, Africa

Possible placeCôte d'Ivoire, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensionsoverall: 9 in. (22.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Harold Rome

Object number1958.35

Status

On view

RightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws

Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA

More Information

Object Label

Dan masquerades were created to give physical form to bodiless spirits who sought to help humanity, so that the masks would manifest these beings, rather than merely represent them. Although the purposes of a mask could change over time, the wide tubular eyes and small forehead horns suggest that this one was made as a bagle, a grotesque mask-being dressed in a wig, cloth wrappers, and a raffia skirt who would have entertained crowds through pantomime. Known by a specific name, this bagle would have offered social critique embedded in humorous stories acted out for an eager audience.