Fine Senufo carved wood amulet or passport mask. In the combined form of a figural bust and a bovine head. With a well-developed patina, although the face was never fed. The back is flat. Ivory Coast - Early 20th century.

HEIGHT: 5 1/8” (13 cm)

PROVENANCE: San Francisco estate collection.

NOTES / REFERENCES: Passport masks fulfill a variety of functions. Anyone who has a spiritual connection with a mask, or whose family owns an important mask, is entitled to commission a miniature. Rubbed with oil and food, they are wrapped up and kept on the owner’s body or among his possessions and function as portable and personal forms that share the power and protective force of the full-sized mask. When a mask-owner is traveling, the miniature mask serves as an important means of identification outside his immediate community. This role that may have given it the commonly applied name of "passport mask."

IN-HOUSE PACKING & SHIPPING is available for this item. We combine items for shipping when possible. Shipping prices shown are for locations within the United States. Please ask for a quote for International packing and shipping costs.

NO RESERVE

Need high resolution images? Click the "ASK A QUESTION" button (to the right, below our logo) and tell us ... we will send them.

Good condition with wear from age and handling