Ngontang Mask
Fang · Gabon
Reference: MYL-8
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- Height
- 41 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments
The NgonTang mask is a helmet that belongs to the secret society of the same name. He may have two faces, Janus, or four, opposite two…
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Full original description
The NgonTang mask is a helmet that belongs to the secret society of the same name. He may have two faces, Janus, or four, opposite two to two. Its white pigmentation is a reference to the afterlife. The mask wears a fibre necklace and its carrier hides its body under a wide garment. He takes part in various demonstrations organized for funerals, mourning, births or the town's fun parties. Although it represents a spirit come from the world of the deceased whites dances always by day. It represents the spirit of a young white woman who means her name, endowed with clairvoyance as indicated by the four faces who look at the same time towards the four cardinal points.
Four human faces occupy the perimeter of this mask and the helmet carved into a single piece of tree trunk into which the interior has been emptied in order to enter the carrier's head. White pigmentation is a reference to the afterlife.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Gabon. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
