A rare Dan miniature mask or " Passport Mask " carved in wood and painted in black and garnet colors, with geometric features. Passport masks are smaller reproductions of family clan masks, and accompany travelers who leave their region, since they serve to identify their ethnic origin and obtain help in case of need. In addition, they replace the original masks in rituals when their owner is far from home. | Dan. Ivory Coast. Miniature masks bear many names: the most common is ma go (small head) Echoing the variety of names, they fulfill a variety of functions. Anyone who has a spiritual connection with a mask, or whose family owns an important mask, is entitled to commission a miniature. Rubbed with oil and food, they are wrapped up and kept on the owner's body or among his possessions and function as portable and personal forms that share the power and protective force of the full-sized mask. Miniature masks are carved to embody tutelary spirits and serve as testimony to the presence of the spirit associated with a large masquerade. When a mask-owner is travelling, the miniature mask serves as an important means of identification outside his immediate community. This role that may have given it the commonly applied name of "passport mask." Diviners can advise individuals to commission a miniature mask for preventative, protective, or curative purposes. Dimensions: 13,00 x 8,00 cm. Condition: Some surface wear but good condition. Provenance: Spanish private collection. The piece will include authenticity certificate.