Description:

African, western part of Ivory Coast, Dan culture, 20th century. Smaller masks like this example commonly referred to as "passport masks" were used as personal masks or identity of the initiated adult Dan male. These masks would be sewn onto cloth and carried in a leather pouch, sometimes worn in the small of the back. Passport masks are in essence miniature copies of a family mask. Ascribed with apotropaic qualities, they oftentimes receive libations and serve as witnesses at initiation ceremonies. This example boasts the characteristic concave face, high-domed forehead, pointed chin, protruding mouth, and upturned nose covered in deep brown patina. In addition, perforations frame the mask and the eye holes are highlighted with hammered metal. 10 1/2"T x 5 1/4"W x 3 3/4"D

Provenance: Ex-Robert Pearson Collection, Denver, CO

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Rich patina. Near choice.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 16, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000