Mask Passport
Dan · Côte d’Ivoire
Reference: MPS-24
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- Material
- Wood and pigments.
Small masks also called “San Cristóbal”. They are employed by travellers travelling abroad or outside their region. They are sewn to a piece of cloth and…
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Full original description
Small masks also called “San Cristóbal”. They are employed by travellers travelling abroad or outside their region. They are sewn to a piece of cloth and are tied to their backs, to the height of the waist. Sometimes they are also stored in the suitcase or between the clothes. They are usually copies of family masks. They protect against accidents. They serve to identify and be recognized as members of a particular ethnic group. They are usually copies of family masks and participate as witnesses in initiation ceremonies. When there are accommodation problems this mask always puts in the middle of the way to some acquaintance who will solve the problem. On ritual dates its bearer will present offerings and libations to these masks.
It has three functions: It protects its bearer, facilitates accommodation and receives the offerings of its possessor. Small passport with metal teeth. Dark patina.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Côte d’Ivoire. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
