Two African Dan Miniature Wood Passport Masks
West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of miniature carved wood passport masks. Among the Dan, miniature masks of the larger type were kept as protective amulets, counterparts to full-size masks they represented. The larger has an ovoid face divided by a vertical ridge running down the forehead, narrow eyes outlined in white, a straight nose, and a projecting open mouth. The smaller has a pointed oval face with a concave surface, slit eyes under heavy lids set within broad rounded sockets, a long narrow nose, and a small open mouth with everted lips. Size of largest: 5.75" H x 3.5" W x 1.75" D (14.6 cm H x 8.9 cm W x 4.4 cm D); Size of smallest: 4" L x 2.6" W x 1" D (10.2 cm L x 6.6 cm W x 2.5 cm D).
Among the Dan and their neighbors, small masks known as ma go are commonly described as private counterparts to the full-size masks that embody forest spirits. A man might keep one as a link to a lineage mask, offering it small sacrifices or touching it for protection while traveling. The Western nickname "passport mask" comes from this association with journeys.
Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection, acquired in 2013 from New Orleans Auction Galleries, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205666
Condition
Minor rubbing and nicks to high pointed areas, but intact with lustrous patina.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
West Africa, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, Dan people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of miniature carved wood passport masks. Among the Dan, miniature masks of the larger type were kept as protective amulets, counterparts to full-size masks they represented. The larger has an ovoid face divided by a vertical ridge running down the forehead, narrow eyes outlined in white, a straight nose, and a projecting open mouth. The smaller has a pointed oval face with a concave surface, slit eyes under heavy lids set within broad rounded sockets, a long narrow nose, and a small open mouth with everted lips. Size of largest: 5.75" H x 3.5" W x 1.75" D (14.6 cm H x 8.9 cm W x 4.4 cm D); Size of smallest: 4" L x 2.6" W x 1" D (10.2 cm L x 6.6 cm W x 2.5 cm D).
Among the Dan and their neighbors, small masks known as ma go are commonly described as private counterparts to the full-size masks that embody forest spirits. A man might keep one as a link to a lineage mask, offering it small sacrifices or touching it for protection while traveling. The Western nickname "passport mask" comes from this association with journeys.
Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection, acquired in 2013 from New Orleans Auction Galleries, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205666
Condition
Minor rubbing and nicks to high pointed areas, but intact with lustrous patina.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
