Two African Dan Miniature Wood Passport Masks

West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan people. A pair of miniature carved wood passport masks. Among the Dan, miniature masks of the larger type were kept as protective amulets, counterparts to full-size masks they represented. The larger has an ovoid face divided by a vertical ridge running down the forehead, narrow eyes outlined in white, a straight nose, and a projecting open mouth. The smaller has a pointed oval face with a concave surface, slit eyes under heavy lids set within broad rounded sockets, a long narrow nose, and a small open mouth with everted lips. Among the Dan and their neighbors, small masks known as ma go are commonly described as private counterparts to the full-size masks that embody forest spirits. A man might keep one as a link to a lineage mask, offering it small sacrifices or touching it for protection while traveling. The Western nickname "passport mask" comes from this association with journeys. Item # 205666

Estimate:£150.06

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