Maskette

Dan, Liberia
19th Century
Previous Collections: Tom Phillips, London, Holly Ross, Princeton, Michael Oliver, New York

Small masks such as these are called "MA" masks; or more commonly known as "passport masks". They are carried for personal protection and also used to represent the clan they belong to when they travel outside their homeland. Some examples; such as this have deep encrusted surfaces from libations; and also charges packed inside the back of the masks for more power. The features on the face are barely visable due to the surface patina; this creates an enigmatic look. The back has Tom Philip's inventory numbers written in white. This is an old fine example.

This maskette stands 2.4" tall

SOLD / IN 10-10-10