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Miniature Mask

Date:

Early/mid–20th century

Artist:

Dan
Liberia
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

In Dan society, hidden but dangerous forest spirits are depicted on human face masks that are worn during public performances. This art form has an intensive repertoire—each mask is considered to have its own personality, powers, and social function. Until the 1960s, almost every social activity involved the participation of an active masker, whose identity was kept completely hidden during performances. All Dan masks are also created in miniature, and these smaller versions also have many functions: they often served as private charms for the porters or wearers of the masks during public ceremonies, as sacred and powerful objects to be used in the context of men’s secret societies, and as badges of protection during times of difficulty or danger. Sometimes they are hung on a child’s body in a bag to prevent or cure an illness, and although women are prohibited from possessing performance masks, a new bride may take a miniature mask with her as she leaves her family home to move in with her husband as a way to honor her own lineage (see also 2007.574 and 2007.575).

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Dan

Title

Miniature Mask

Place

Liberia (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1900–1975

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H.: 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Muriel Kallis Newman

Reference Number

2007.576

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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