Dan passport mask — Dan, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 145

Description

Dan passport mask, Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia.
Small Dan mask in brown wood, dimensions: 10 cm wide, 6 cm deep and 20 cm high. Used as a personal talisman, this passport mask, associated with the rituals of the Poro secret society, symbolises protection and the link with spirits. The minimalist features — half-closed eyes, stylised mouth and dark patina — reflect Dan aesthetics, emphasising calm and wisdom. The perforations were used to attach fibres or to wear it. This type of mask, carried or kept by its owner, materialises spiritual and social belonging. Rare and authentic, it illustrates the importance of masks in Dan traditions.

Technical details

Type of piece

Masque

Category

Masks

Ethnic group

Dan

Country

Côte d’Ivoire

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 20 × W 6 × D 10 cm

Weight

0,276 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

145