Preview
Geography
Liberia, Africa
Culture
Dan People
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
5 9/16 x 3 5/16 x 1 9/16 in. (14.1 x 8.5 x 3.9 cm)
2.042 oz. (57.9 g)
Credit Line
Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020
Accession Number
2020.195
Description
Small wooden mask in voal form with slit eyes, broad nose, protruding mouth and dark coloration. The coiffure is carved with a geometric crossed line pattern around the upper portion of the mask.
This small passport mask replicate the masks worn in performances, and also serve as a way of identification. They can be commissioned by someone in the community or preventative, protective or curative purposes. While they often depict females, they are not easily available to women. Women can commission a miniature to retain ties to their own family after they marry if their family has a strong connection to the masks.
For more information, see an example at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1979.206.311
Reverse view