A wooden Fang dance mask from Gabon For Sale

A magnificent fang dance mask from Gabon.
In the traditional Fang culture of Gabon, policing was ensured by masks like this one. In Ngil society, the great initiate (Ngang), assisted by his officials, wandered through the villages hidden under a traditional mask, extended and covered with a thick layer of kaolin, as shown here.Mask wearers, hidden in their raffia costumes, appeared in the village at dusk with flickering torches in hand. A very nice African art item for collectors.Their goal was to track down the troublemakers, starting with the suspected death cops. Their activities were directed mainly against individuals guilty of witchcraft or criminals. Once the culprit was identified, he could be punished by death. The mouth is wide, the curved face covered with white paint. The perforations on the back of the mask served to attach the raffia cover that masked the wearer. Nice patina and nice wood quality.
Item: Wooden Fang Dance MaskMaterial: WoodPeriod: Early 20th centuryOrigin: GabonCondition: ExcellentDimensions: 50 x 17 x 50 cmWeight: 800g