Wonderful passport sized Bassa mask. I believe this example is relatively early. I’d wager late 19th century or early 20th century. It has a lovely old patina. Traces of old white pigment can be seen in its recesses. It appears to have been handled heavily over time. This would be consistent with the scholarship surrounding passport sized masks. Generally they are miniature versions of larger masks that could be carried with an individual when they travel or for ceremonial use. The larger original mask could remain in the village at their dwelling and the passport mask could travel with the owner. Masks were an important part of the culture in many ways. Hence the pragmatic functionality of having a smaller portable version of an important mask. It is carved from one solid piece of wood. On the back there are some markings in red oil crayon or some similar media. I often see these types of markings on archeological relics. Not sure if that’s the case here or not. There is a sizable chip on the bottom of the backside of the mask. Luckily it’s not visible at all from the front. Otherwise the condition is quite good. This piece came out of a small mask collection I acquired at a high end New England auction house. It is 6.5” top to bottom and 5” across the back. It will ship ASAP! Thanks