20th C. African Dan / We-Guere Wood Passport Mask
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Description
**First Time At Auction**
West Africa, Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A wonderful carved wood passport mask presenting an expressive visage with an overhanging forehead, tapered arched brows, slit eyes, a raised central ridge, and a projecting rounded open mouth with a cleft chin, all in a lustrous, black finish with perforations to periphery for attachment. Such maskettes were created to connect the owner with a specific spirit that is believed to offer guidance and protection. Traditionally, these are hidden and only revealed during special rituals. In addition such maskettes are carried by their owners during travels, hence the term passport mask. A superb example with a very smooth surface and a rich, dark patina characteristic of northern examples. Custom stand. Size: 3.125" W x 5.5" H (7.9 cm x 14 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on stand
Provenance: Ex-Allen A. Davis, Santa Fe, NM
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121395
West Africa, Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A wonderful carved wood passport mask presenting an expressive visage with an overhanging forehead, tapered arched brows, slit eyes, a raised central ridge, and a projecting rounded open mouth with a cleft chin, all in a lustrous, black finish with perforations to periphery for attachment. Such maskettes were created to connect the owner with a specific spirit that is believed to offer guidance and protection. Traditionally, these are hidden and only revealed during special rituals. In addition such maskettes are carried by their owners during travels, hence the term passport mask. A superb example with a very smooth surface and a rich, dark patina characteristic of northern examples. Custom stand. Size: 3.125" W x 5.5" H (7.9 cm x 14 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on stand
Provenance: Ex-Allen A. Davis, Santa Fe, NM
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121395
Condition
Expected surface wear and encrustation. Nice dark patina.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
20th C. African Dan / We-Guere Wood Passport Mask
Estimate $300 - $450
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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