African Double Lega Mask. Size: 12" x 10". In West Africa, masks are considered sacred objects, reserved for use in rituals, ceremonies and initiations. Oftentimes they can only be handled by initiated individuals with proper training, wisdom and experience. Particularly among the Dan people and their neighbors, masks are believed to be a medium through which they communicate with their ancestors and the spirit world. In addition to regular masks, there are also miniature copies called 'passport masks.' These are most prevalent among the Dan people but also common among neighboring tribes.Small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand, passport masks were never made to be worn and openly displayed. Instead, they were kept out of sight, sometimes sewn onto a piece of cloth and carried around the neck or arm as a personal amulet. Despite their size these miniature masks were considered to hold as much power as their larger counterparts. For example, the Dan believed the world was divided into the realms of the living and the spiritual: the village and the forest. When leaving the village to hunt or travel, they would carry passport masks as protective charms.The passport mask was also significant in these West African tribes as a 'witness' to the initiation of adolescent boys into secret societies. Once initiated, the passport mask functioned as proof of one's position within it, which was useful when traveling to other villages. In time, passport masks became a form of tribal identification, each culture with their own distinct styles. Ships from Corona del Mar, CA.

All descriptions are King's Auctions Inc.'s visual opinions and do not warrant as a guarantee. It is the Buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and deem their own opinions on condition, description, provenance, and validity BEFORE purchasing. Condition is appropriate to age of the item. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is free from damage and wear. Please review all pictures posted. ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS. Please email us with any questions.

12 x 10 x 6 in