Tribal Art

Fang mask (N° 22844)

Ex-collection French African tribal art
Intended to unmask sorcerers, this helmet mask, of the Fang Ngil type, bleached with kaolin, which was sculpted on the eve of ceremonies, reflects the desire to capture the mysteries of the night and to intimidate opposing forces. Accompanied by words, gestures, dances and sacrifices, this type of African mask also intervened during initiations out of sight of the profane. Matte patina, erosions and losses.
This type of mask was used by the ngil male society which no longer exists today. This secret society was in charge of initiations and fought against witchcraft. Guarantor of peace, the ngil also fixed the seasons, the location where the villages were to be established, and the conditions for the exploitation of agricultural land. The wearers of these masks, always in large numbers, appeared at night, lit by torches. Their intervention was also linked to the judicial function by pointing out the culprits of bad deeds within the village. The Fang ethnic group, established in a region stretching from Yaoundé in Cameroon to Ogooué in Gabon, has never had political unity. Clan cohesion was maintained through religious and judicial associations such as the so and the ngil.