Pre 18th Century West African Passports

$25.00
Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, across many African communities, small hand-carved masks served as personal identifiers—much like a modern-day passport. These symbolic tokens reflected the wearer’s role, life stage, and standing within the community. Their design and color were never random: vibrant hues often marked youth or apprenticeship, while more subdued, singular tones signaled mastery, wisdom, or leadership.

These miniature masks quietly carried stories—of craftsmanship, belonging, and ancestral pride. Whether tied to the life of a healer, artisan, performer, or elder, each one affirmed the bearer’s place in the world.

Our Heritage Mugs honor this tradition. Each design is a tribute to the art of self-expression and community identity—celebrating the rich, living heritage woven through generations across the African continent.

• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• 20 oz mug dimensions: 4.3″ (10.9 cm) in height, 3.7″ (9.3 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, across many African communities, small hand-carved masks served as personal identifiers—much like a modern-day passport. These symbolic tokens reflected the wearer’s role, life stage, and standing within the community. Their design and color were never random: vibrant hues often marked youth or apprenticeship, while more subdued, singular tones signaled mastery, wisdom, or leadership.

These miniature masks quietly carried stories—of craftsmanship, belonging, and ancestral pride. Whether tied to the life of a healer, artisan, performer, or elder, each one affirmed the bearer’s place in the world.

Our Heritage Mugs honor this tradition. Each design is a tribute to the art of self-expression and community identity—celebrating the rich, living heritage woven through generations across the African continent.

• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• 20 oz mug dimensions: 4.3″ (10.9 cm) in height, 3.7″ (9.3 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!