Passport Mask
Dan, Liberia, early 20th C.
PROVENANCE: Collected by Dr. George Harley prior to 1943, and bought from him at his mission station in Ghanta, Liberia, by Esther Warner Dendel in 1943, then by descent to her husband, Jo Dendel
.

Small masks were used to validate ownership, identity, and could function as charms to provide protection for an individual or family. Viewed from the side, the curvature of the wood highlights the protruding facial characteristics. The nose, mouth and chin are clearly seen in an almost naturalistic way. The eyes are created by a thin straight line across the middle of the forehead while the hair style is clearly sculpture at the top of the brow.

Height: 4 in.
IN 10-12-13 / SOLD