Miniature male mask. Dan, Ivory Coast. Carved... Lot 10

Miniature male mask. Dan, Ivory Coast. Carved wood. Middle of the 20th century. H 31 cm including base. H 16 X 9,5 cm without base. Miniature masks, also called "passport masks" are carved to house ancestral spirits, like the large masks. Their main function is to protect the wearer, especially against witchcraft. They also serve to attest the rank of the wearer, as well as his or her parentage, in regions where he or she is not known. Provenance: collection of Dr Smits, Belgium. A certificate of M Humblet accompanies this work.