Fang ngontang mask (#2), Gabon and Cameroon
14" tall
wood, pigment
*This object is being sold on consignment from a private collection
$125 - To inquire about this object, send an email to Rand@DiscoverAfricanArt.com with a subject of "Fang ngontang".
Known as Ngontang (or Ngontanga), this mask variety appeared among the Fang people of southern
Cameroon and Gabon shortly before 1920. It represents a spirit of the dead visiting as a young white woman
from the world beyond. The mask was used to locate sorcerers–those who misuse spiritual powers–but also
performs at feasts, funerals, celebrations of birth, and on the occasion of an important communal decision.
Fang interpretation of the four faces on this mask varies from four spirits to four stages of life to four
relatives. It should be noted that examples exist with one, two, or three faces. Moreover, many examples bear
mask-like faces that are all of the same size.
Sources: A History of Art in Africa / Africa - The Art of a Continent / The Tribal Art of Africa
Despite its appearance, I believe this object was made specifically for the collecting market.
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