Dan Wood Passport Mask
circa 19th Century
Size: 3.25" W x 5.5" H

West Africa, Ivory Coast, Dan culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An early carved wooden Dan mask that quite unexpectedly depicts a simian creature. The overall form presents a classic angular perimeter and sloped facial forehead and lower planes, detailed with a pronounced "furline", slit eyes, and a broad nose leading to a toothy grin. The Dan people carried small masks, like this example, which are sometimes called "passport" masks.

According to Jean-Baptiste Bacquart (The Tribal Arts of Africa), they are customarily sewn onto a piece of cloth and kept in a leather pouch and oftentimes worn in the small of the back. They are usually miniature representations of a family mask and sometimes received libations. As apotropaic masks, they serve as witnesses during initiation rite ceremonies. A special example with a fine aged surface that has developed a medium brown patina. Pierced at the top for suspension.

To the Dan peoples, masks are the most significant art form. In fact, most of their other sculptural forms are derived from the mask form. Beyond this, masks are believed to embody the most powerful spiritual forces. In addition, masks serve a ritualistic function providing a means of bringing order and meaning to communities.

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA