Preview
Geography
Liberia, Africa
Culture
Dan People
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
4 5/16 x 6 8/16 x 2 10/16 in (11cm x 6.5cm x 2.6cm)
0.956 oz. (27.1g)
Credit Line
Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020
Accession Number
2020.197
Description
A small wooden mask in oval shape form having a high forehead and face narrowing to the chin. Black in color. Hole drilled at the top of head.
Dan Passport masks are small masks, about 6-20 cm tall. These passport masks replicate the masks worn in performance. They serve as important means of identification, and someone in the community can commission them for 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 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1979.206.311