1993, ‘4, and ‘5 Australia

MONKEYS’ & GEA’s MUNIFICENTᵛ THANKS ADAM’s TEAM

‘Dan masks have been documented as the embodiment of at least a dozen artistic personalities. Among these are Deangle, who ventures into the village from the initiation camps to ask women for food; Tankagle and Bagle, who entertain through a range of aesthetically pleasing dances, skits, and mimes; Gunyege, whose mask is worn by a community’s champion foot racers in competitions; and Bugle, who historically leads men into battle. This example’s distinctive projecting triangular cheekbones and recessed triangular eye apertures indicate that this is probably a kagle mask. Kagle masks are “troublemakers”, meant to disturb village festivities with their erratic movements and agressive behavior. Intended to symbolize the brutal force of the bush and of savage, nonhuman creatures, the “troublemaker” is in fact a test of the solidity of social institutions. Its disruptive performance serves a social function by teaching the value of order and discipline through its negative example.’

*Munificent is an adjective that describes someone very liberal, lavish, or extremely generous in giving. It often refers to large donations, gifts, or acts of kindness, stemming from the Latin munificus (generous). Synonyms include bountiful, unsparing, charitable, and openhanded.

John