Ngil Fang facial mask Gabon / Equatorial Guinea... Lot 143

Ngil Fang facial mask Gabon / Equatorial Guinea Wood, pigments H.: 64.5 cm. Long oblong mask, characteristic shape of Ngil masks, with a cordiform face that is hollowed out, rounded and slightly concave. The entire object is bleached with kaolin. The eyes are suggested by thin slits underlined by engraved scarifications. The nose is disproportionately long and thin and hides a rectangular mouth with tight teeth. The naso-labial furrows are hollowed out as well as the arch of the eyebrows. A double incised line, darker in colour, runs up the middle of the forehead. It is topped by a broad sagittal crest. Mask used by the male Ngil society during the initiation of its new members and to fight against sorcerers and criminals. It was a rite of social regulation that consisted of frightening those with evil intentions. Having caused unrest in villages due to the abuse of its followers, the Ngil was gradually banned by the colonial administration around 1910-1920. Object made specifically for colonial trade with obvious decorative interest. Consultant : Jean-Pierre LACOSTE