Fang style mask - Lot 259

Fang style mask Gabon / Equatorial Guinea / Republic of Congo Wood, kaolin Height : 56,5 cm Large oblong mask with a cordial face dyed with kaolin, structured by arched eyebrows extended by a long, angular and protruding nose. The eyes are highlighted by vertical scarification marks. The rectangular mouth reveals sharp teeth. Plinth object. It shows significant desiccation marks in the upper part at the level of the headdress. Mask used by the Ngil male society during the initiation of its new members and to fight against sorcerers and evildoers. It was a rite of social regulation that consisted in frightening those who had evil intentions. Having caused disturbances in villages due to abuses by its followers, the ngil was gradually banned by the colonial administration around 1910-1920. FANG STYLE - MASK 56,5 CM