Description:

West Africa, Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan/Bassa, ca. early 20th century CE. A personal passport maskette carved from a lightweight wood, created by the Dan peoples to serve as a talisman, replete with features characteristic of Dan masks including a concave face, high-domed forehead, upturned nose, protruding mouth, and pointed chin. This example boasts a finely incised 'plaited' coiffure. Such maskettes were created to connect the owner with a specific spirit that is believed to offer guidance and protection. Such maskettes are oftentimes sewn on fabric and stored in a leather pouch that is worn and carried by their owners during travels. Traditionally, these are hidden and only revealed during special rituals. A fine and early example. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: maskette alone measures 2.5" W x 4.5" H (6.4 cm x 11.4 cm); 5.875" H (14.9 cm) on stand.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#117136

  • Condition: Fabulously aged surfaces with wear from use as shown.

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September 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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