Passport Mask

Dan, Liberia
19th Century

Provenance: Old California Collection.

This Ma-Go or ‘passport mask’ is an exceptional example of the miniature masks carried by many of the Dan related people in Liberia and Ivory Coast. The expression on the face is sublime, with its closed eyes and pursed lips it has an almost enigmatic presence. Carved from hardwood with a deep and rich black patina from generations of use. Important to note that passport masks come in many sizes; some under an inch tall; this example is much larger than most.