Though miniature masks appear across many West African cultures, my collection focuses primarily on those from Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire—specifically Dan, Mano, Bassa, Guerze/Kpelle, Toma, and We/Guere traditions.

Despite the widespread use of the term “passport mask,” these miniatures had nothing to do with travel or personal identification. Instead, they served as extensions of the protective or spiritual power believed to reside within the full-sized, wearable mask (several of which I also own). Their ownership also signified membership to whichever local secret society—often operating under the broader Poro framework—that served as custodian of the larger mask and its associated spirit.