Passport to Africa

The Coral Gables Museum is proud to present 27 African artifacts, generously donated by Mrs. Yuen Swing in memory of her husband, Ambassador William Lacy Swing (1934-2021). These objects will initiate an African art collection at the Museum. Among them are two masks from the Sande Society, a women’s secret association crucial to the Mende and Sherbro communities’ social, political, and religious life. Also featured is a Bassa helmet mask used in rites of passage and spiritual ceremonies, and a Dan Gagon mask, which represents forest spirits through masquerade performances. Additionally, the collection includes 23 passport masks, small yet deeply significant pieces carried for spiritual protection and identity by several West African ethnic groups, including the Dan, Kpelle, Mano, Loma, and Bassa.

William Lacy Swing’s distinguished career spanned over four decades, including six U.S. Ambassadorial postings and leadership roles with the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He was a dedicated collector of African and Haitian art.