West African miniature masks, too small to be worn, replicate the forms of masks worn in performance. Like their larger counterparts they are powerful charms, filled with spirit, with potential for good or evil. But while the full-sized masks are made for display in public ceremonies, the passport masks are not performed and are usually hidden from prying eyes. They may be kept in the compound or on a personal shrine. They can be worn on the arm or around the neck as an amulet to protect the owner when he is hunting or making war. They are carried about the person when traveling; hence the term ‘passport’ mask. Another source for the term ‘passport’ may be their use as ‘stepping stones’ at Dan secret society initiations (Liberia/Ivory Coast). Small masks are placed as obstacles on the path leading to the meeting place; aspiring members must pay to have them removed.
