Fang Ngil mask
Superb example of a traditional Fang mask, a famous African ethnic group known for its expansionist ambitions against many neighboring ethnic groups in the history of Gabon, as well as for cannibalistic practices.
This flat mask with soft shapes is covered with a layer of kaolin giving it the traditional white face of Ngil masks.
Also called Pahouin, the Fang wore these masks as part of the identification of witchcraft culprits among others. This one is remarkable for having retained a scarlet naso-frontal line.
The musée du quai Branly indicates in its book "Native forests":
"The group, formed as a militia, went from village to village, at the request and at the expense of sponsors, on the occasion, for example, of an unexplained death or suspicion of bewitchment.
The rite consisted above all in scaring those who would have had evil intentions or who would have secretly kept forbidden "fetishes", in particular by the spectacular manifestation of the mask, at nightfall.
Having caused disturbances in villages as a result of abuse by its followers, the Ngil was gradually banned by the French colonial administration, around 1920.
02316
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 20th c.
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- François C. Bazelaire, painter and sculptor, Bruxelles
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Superb example of a traditional Fang mask, a famous African ethnic group known for its expansionist ambitions against many neighboring ethnic groups in the history of Gabon, as well as for cannibalistic practices.
This flat mask with soft shapes is covered with a layer of kaolin giving it the traditional white face of Ngil masks.
Also called Pahouin, the Fang wore these masks as part of the identification of witchcraft culprits among others. This one is remarkable for having retained a scarlet naso-frontal line.
The musée du quai Branly indicates in its book "Native forests":
"The group, formed as a militia, went from village to village, at the request and at the expense of sponsors, on the occasion, for example, of an unexplained death or suspicion of bewitchment.
The rite consisted above all in scaring those who would have had evil intentions or who would have secretly kept forbidden "fetishes", in particular by the spectacular manifestation of the mask, at nightfall.
Having caused disturbances in villages as a result of abuse by its followers, the Ngil was gradually banned by the French colonial administration, around 1920.