Description: Rare Primitive Carved Wood Fang MaskEquatorial Guinea or Gabon, Western Coast, Africa Masks of this type were worn by members of the powerful religious and judiciary secret society known as the Ngil, which was widespread among the Northern Fang and others to the southeast of them (the Fang are a subgroup of the Pangwe people). Ngil members acted as police and judges, revealing sorcerers and handing down sentences to those who did not obey the law. (The usual punishment for sorcery was death.) Ngil masters were also known as peacekeepers, settling conflicts between clans and rival villages.The mask was meant to depict a terrifying entity, and it was used in ceremonies that involved spectacular dances. The Ngil can be understood as agents of social control.In simple terms, the ceremonies mainly consisted of frightening those who had evil intentions. This particular mask is a large 17 in. Height and meant to be held over the wearer’s face with an attached carved “handle” with no eye holes.Fang masks had a significant influence on early 20th Century artists, including Picasso and Modigliani, who collected them.Distinguishing Features~Made of hand carved woodCirca Early to Mid 20th CenturyHeight: 17 inchesWidth: 9.5 inchesDepth: 6.5 inchesApplied pigmentElongated nose with oval faceRound eyes & Carved details on perimeter and foreheadWeight, unpacked: 3 lbs., 5.5 oz.Very Good Vintage Condition! Please see PhotosDoes NOT include stand
Price: 225 USD
Location: Windsor, Connecticut
End Time: 2024-01-15T16:24:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Region of Origin: Africa
Type: Mask
Width (Inches): 9.5”
Subject: Masks
Tribe: Fang
Maker: Ngil Society
Material: Wood, Pigment
Original/Reproduction: Original
Originality: Original
Height (Inches): 17”
Color: Dark Wood Tone
