Mumuye Wood Passport Mask, Based

In West Africa, masks are regarded as sacred, reserved for rituals, ceremonies and initiations. Often only initiated people may handle them.

This one is small. A Mumuye passport mask from Nigeria, 20th century, wood colored with pigment. Small masks like this could be kept close as a personal link to a larger tradition. The form is animal-like: a long domed head with ridged crests, round tubular eyes framed by small drilled holes, a projecting flat snout with an open mouth.

Chalky white pigment remains around the eyes and sides, over warm brown wood. A stepped black base holds it at eye level.

Eye level is the right level. It returns your stare.