Description:

West Africa, Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan/Bassa peoples, 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. This example appears to have received libations as well. Size: 1.875" W x 4" H (4.8 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex- Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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#113231

  • Condition: Fabulously aged surfaces with wear from use, especially to the left side proper, as shown.

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May 12, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000