Fang mask

Mask of the Ngil –Fang– society (Woleu-Ntem province, Gabon)

The masks used by the Bantu people of the Ngil societies of southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea or Gabon always show broad foreheads, tapered faces covered in kaolin, scrutinizing eyes, infinite noses, raised lips and a severe attitude. Their paleness gives them a close relationship with the world of the ancestors, who were invoked when justice had to be administered or when making important decisions. That's why they look so strict and rigorous.

The Fang mask that we offer at Black Market shows all those particularities carved on a very rough wood. On the left half of the face there is an underlined M-shaped scarification, which indicates the clan and locality of origin.

It is necessary to remember that these masks were banned at the beginning of the 20th century by the French administration after several ritual murders associated with the Ngil secret society were recorded. Since then, its ceremonial use has seen a progressive abandonment to the point of almost disappearing, and it is obvious that most of the impeccable Fang masks that can be found now have been carved for more decorative than judicial purposes.

Height: 45cm; Width: 15cm