Western Africa, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire, Dan peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century. A wood passport mask. In characteristic style, the eye area is sunken while the forehead and chin thrust outwards. This example has a hole drilled at the top of the head for suspension. Masks like these are carried by people in Western Africa as miniature copies of masks worn during performances; they were either sewn onto a piece of cloth and kept in a leather pouch, worn on the small of the back, or worn on the arm or neck to act as an amulet. They are called "passport masks" because they are worn by people when travelling. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3.5" W x 5.5" H (8.9 cm x 14 cm); height on stand: 8.9" (22.6 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Alan Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM

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#121394

Slight scoring to surface of wood.