The best known tradition of using miniature masks were by the Dan people. These small masks are sometimes called "Passport" masks due to their use as identification. They are often sewn onto a piece of cloth & carried on the person in a pouch. They are miniature copies of family masks and enable the carrier to retain contact with the spirit embodied in the parent mask.The masks are used to invoke benevolent spirits during secret society meetings. They also demand offerings from initiates during initiation ceremonies such as libations. In addition to warding off evil, the minature masks also serve as witnesses during initiation ceremonies.
Title: Passport mask
Material: Wood
People: Dan
Country: Liberia/Ivory Coast
Description: The best known tradition of using miniature masks
were by the Dan people. These small masks are sometimes called
"Passport" masks due to their use as identification. They are often
sewn onto a piece of cloth & carried on the person in a pouch. They
are miniature copies of family masks and enable the carrier to retain
contact with the spirit embodied in the parent mask.The masks are
used to invoke benevolent spirits during secret society meetings.
They also demand offerings from initiates during initiation ceremonies
such as libations. In addition to warding off evil, the minature masks
also serve as witnesses during initiation ceremonies.
Included is a custom-built metal stand.
Mask dimensions: 2 5/8" height x 1 1/2" width x 1" depth
Mask on stand dimensions: 3 3/4" height x 1 1/2" width x 1" depth
