Passport Mask
Côte d’Ivoire, Dan
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Oscar Agard, Newark, NJ. Acquired 1970-1990’s, then by descent to family.

These miniature masks fulfilled a variety of functions within Dan society. Anyone who claimed a spiritual connection with a mask was entitled to commission a miniature. Constantly rubbed with oil and other substances, these mask were kept with the owner, were amongst their most prized possessions and can share the power and protective agencies of the full size versions. This mask’s sunken eye slits, bulging forehead, and large beaked nose is reminiscent of the Ge Gon mask. Well worn, this mask exhibits a marble patina.

Height: 3 inches
IN 7-13-16 / SOLD