Dan Passport Mask with Beard on Custom Stand Côte d'Ivoire

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: chips and scratches

Miniature masks often called "passport" masks are found among the various peoples of Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire, including the Dan, Yacouba, Gio, Wenion (We, Guere), Geh, Loma, Konor, and Bete. This one is from the Dan people.

Sharing a wide variety of uses they are the personal masks of initiated adult men and would be carried on their person or kept on personal shrines in the home. They carried small "passport" masks in leather pouches when they traveled

Passport masks serve to mark the passage of an initiate into the men's secret society and his elevation into the higher ranks. The small masks may be presented at meetings of senior members of the men's society to indicate their right to be present and participate in the deliberations.

Diviner's would recommend that small masks be given to children to wear to ward off evil witches or cure illnesses. Small masks placed on shrines would receive the offerings and prayers of their owners and in time would accumulate a rich patina of different substances that could obscure their features.

Most of these miniature masks mirror the shape and features of the larger masks that they were modeled after. Like the full-sized dance masks the smaller masks reflect the great diversity of styles and forms of the larger masks.

The Dan mask is a significant cultural artifact originating from the Côte d'Ivoire, a country located in West Africa. This mask holds great importance within the Dan people's traditional practices and ceremonies, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs.

The Dan people, also known as the Yacouba, are one of the major ethnic groups inhabiting the western part of Côte d'Ivoire, as well as parts of Liberia and Guinea. They are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and artistic expressions, with the Dan mask being a prominent example of their exceptional skills.

The Dan mask is typically carved out of wood, although other materials like brass and copper may also be incorporated. Each mask is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who have acquired the specialized knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. The masks are often created in various sizes, with some small enough to be handheld while others are large and worn over the face.

One of the distinctive features of the Dan mask is its elongated face, which is usually triangular or diamond-shaped. The facial features are often highly stylized, with prominent cheekbones, a narrow nose, and a pointed chin. The mask is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, scarifications, and carved details, showcasing the artistic prowess and attention to detail of the Dan craftsmen.

These masks play a central role in Dan society, serving both ritualistic and ceremonial purposes. They are used in various contexts such as initiation ceremonies, funerals, agricultural festivals, and masquerade performances. The Dan believe that the masks embody ancestral spirits and serve as a medium of communication between the human and spirit realms.

During important rituals and ceremonies, the masks are worn by selected individuals who undergo rigorous training and initiation. These individuals, known as "maskers" or "dozo," are regarded as mediators between the community and the spiritual world. They perform elaborate dance routines accompanied by music and chants, creating a captivating spectacle for the onlookers.

The Dan mask represents more than just a decorative object; it embodies the spiritual essence and cultural identity of the Dan people. It serves as a visual representation of their history, mythology, and collective memory. The masks are revered as sacred objects and are handled with great respect and reverence.

In recent years, the Dan mask has gained recognition beyond its cultural context. It has become sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, who appreciate its aesthetic beauty and cultural significance. However, it is important to note that the Dan mask's commercialization and exportation raise ethical considerations, as these masks hold profound cultural and spiritual meaning for the Dan people.

The Dan mask from Côte d'Ivoire stands as a testament to the artistic ingenuity and cultural heritage of the Dan people. It serves as a powerful symbol of their beliefs, traditions, and identity, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the community and captivating the imaginations of those fortunate enough to encounter it.