The mask was meant to depict a terrifying entity, and it was used in ceremonies that involved spectacular dances. ‘You can view the Ngil as agents of social control,’ explains the specialist. ‘In simple terms, the ceremonies mainly consisted of frightening those who had evil intentions.
Who made the Ngil mask?
A. L. Bennett, probably in the 1890s. Fred. H.
What tribe is the Fang mask from?
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Israel Masks of this elongated type were worn by members of the powerful religious and judiciary secret society known as the Ngil, which was widespread among the Northern Fang and others to the southeast of them (the Fang are a subgroup of the Pangwe people).
What are three types of masks created in Africa?
Common types of African masks include face masks, which fit over the front of the wearer’s face; helmet masks, which fit over the entire head; and forehead masks, which work like hats that sit horizontally on top of the head with the wearer’s face covered by fabric.
What do the patterns on African masks represent?
The patterns are combined on masks to represent the prohibitions, rules for proper conduct of life, and requirements of the spirits the masks represent–they are visible forms of the soser of the Lobi.
How long has the Fang tribe been around?
1.4 Brief history: The Fang compose the largest ethnic group in Gabon. They arrived sometime in the mid 19th century upon the coast from southern Cameroon.
Where is the Fang tribe located?
Equatorial Guinea
Fang, also spelled Fãn, Bantu-speaking peoples occupying the southernmost districts of Cameroon south of the Sanaga River, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and the forests of the northern half of Gabon south to the Ogooué River estuary.
Where are the Fang people located?
What story can a mask tell?
Masks are used in social ceremonies (weddings, funerals, etc.), seasonal celebrations, and religious events. They are used to tell stories, impart wisdom, and ask for spirit blessings and protections.
What are Africa mask called?
Bambara antelope masks (called chiwara) have long horns representing the thriving growth of millet, legs (representing roots), long ears (representing the songs sung by the working women at harvest time), and a saw-shaped line that represents the path followed by the Sun between solstices.
What are three different forms of African masks?
Masks can be grouped into three main forms: face masks, helmet masks, and headresses.
Where are the Fang people from?
Fang, also spelled Fãn, Bantu-speaking peoples occupying the southernmost districts of Cameroon south of the Sanaga River, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and the forests of the northern half of Gabon south to the Ogooué River estuary. They numbered about 3,320,000 in the late 20th century.
How much is this rare Fang Ngil mask worth?
A Fang Ngil mask from Gabon Held in a private Belgian collection for almost half a century, this rare Fang Ngil mask from Gabon sold for €2,407,500 in the African and Oceanic Art sale at Christie’s in Paris. Specialist Bruno Claessens explains why
What is a Ngil mask and why is it important?
Ngil masks were worn by the Fang people in Gabon and have long been considered to be one of the ‘holy grails’ of African art.
What is the significance of the Fang mask?
The height of the mask — 60 cm — is indicative of its use as a ceremonial object. It would have been worn by a member of the Ngil, a secret brotherhood responsible for policing and administering justice in Fang communities.
