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AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION
AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION

AFRICAN TRIBAL DAN BASSA PASSPORT MASK LIBERIA MUSEUM EXHIBITED KENT COLLECTION

$ 155.76

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Tribe: Dan

    Description

    A Fine Bassa Passport Mask – Liberia
    Mid 20th Century
    Wood, patina
    Height: 18.4cm (7.25in)
    PROVENANCE:
    Property from a Private Kent, Ohio Collection
    EXHIBITED:
    University of Central Missouri, McClure Archives Museum, Masquerade Tribal Arts: Selected Works From Western and Central Africa, January-February, 2012, Cat No. 11.18.1.
    *Documentation on file and can accompany the artwork for historical conservation purposes.
    The Bassa territory lies in the middle of present-day Liberia. Their economy is based on rice which they cultivate around small villages which have a population of around two hundred. Bassa artistic tradition has been influenced by their north-eastern neighbors, the Dan, who live primarily on the Ivory Coast (Baquart, 2000). Bassa masks and sculpture often display monumental and solemn qualities combined with proficient carving. Miniature masks, or "passport" masks are personal objects carried by initiated adult men. When traveling between villages, these carvings signify a members mark of passage and their authority to participate in societal deliberations. The miniature carvings also serve as protective spirits and have been known to receive libations
    .
    Fine condition, displaying
    areas of erosion, weathered surface and insect damage both from age and use
    . Appropriate for age, origin medium.
    Cf.
    Mask (Catalog No. 90.2/ 5956) and Passport Mask (Catalog No. 90.2/ 7211), Bassa, Liberia, American Museum of Natural History, New York for comparable examples
    .
    *
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