DAN AFRICAN PASSPORT MASK - GBA PO MASK BEAUTIFUL SMALL WEST AFRICAN MASKETTE

Description

DAN PASSPORT MASKS
PORTRAIT MASKS
Miniature Masks
MA GO
YILOU PO
GBA PO
NYONKULA
Passport masks are made by every culture in West Africa, but the Dan complex produces more than any other people. Like their larger counterparts they are powerful charms, filled with spirit, with potential for good or evil. But while the full-sized masks are made for display in public ceremonies, the passport masks are not performed and are usually hidden from prying eyes. They may be kept in the compound or on a personal shrine. They can be worn on the arm or around the neck as an amulet to protect the owner when he is hunting or making war. They are carried about the person when traveling; hence the term ‘passport’ mask. Another source for the term ‘passport’ may be their use as ‘stepping stones’ at Dan secret society initiations (Liberia/Ivory Coast). Small masks are placed as obstacles on the path leading to the meeting place; aspiring members must pay to have them removed.
This fine example measures 6“ long and 3.5“ wide.