FANG MASK - Gabon
04
days
07
hours
40
minutes
28
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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MASQUE FANG, a 32 cm high wooden mask from Gabon representing the Fang people and dating to the late 20th century.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Fang
Material: Wood
Dimension: 32 cm
Shipping mode: Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative mask from the Fang ethnic group (Central Africa) is a classic example of the Ngil style. These masks were worn by members of the eponymous secret society charged with delivering justice and unmasking witches.
Here is a detailed description of its visual characteristics:
Morphological Characteristics
Form: An elongated and minimalist shape: The mask features a stylized, heart-shaped face, very stretched downward, with a broad and bulging forehead ending in a pointed chin.
White patina: The face is covered with kaolin (white clay), a color symbolizing the world of spirits, purity, and death among the Fang.
The nose: It is extremely long and straight, extending almost the full length of the face, which emphasizes the verticality of the piece.
Details and Ornamentation
Engraved elements: There are scarifications or ritual marks incised:
Vertical lines on the cheeks, starting below the eyes.
Simple geometric motifs on the forehead and chin.
The eyes: Small in size, they are represented by fine horizontal slits, giving the mask an expression of introspective serenity or severe detachment.
The mouth: Placed very low on the face, it is small, discreet and slightly ajar.
The headdress: The top of the skull is marked by a dark area (black pigment) divided by vertical grooves, suggesting a hairstyle or crest.
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Fang
Material: Wood
Dimension: 32 cm
Shipping mode: Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative mask from the Fang ethnic group (Central Africa) is a classic example of the Ngil style. These masks were worn by members of the eponymous secret society charged with delivering justice and unmasking witches.
Here is a detailed description of its visual characteristics:
Morphological Characteristics
Form: An elongated and minimalist shape: The mask features a stylized, heart-shaped face, very stretched downward, with a broad and bulging forehead ending in a pointed chin.
White patina: The face is covered with kaolin (white clay), a color symbolizing the world of spirits, purity, and death among the Fang.
The nose: It is extremely long and straight, extending almost the full length of the face, which emphasizes the verticality of the piece.
Details and Ornamentation
Engraved elements: There are scarifications or ritual marks incised:
Vertical lines on the cheeks, starting below the eyes.
Simple geometric motifs on the forehead and chin.
The eyes: Small in size, they are represented by fine horizontal slits, giving the mask an expression of introspective serenity or severe detachment.
The mouth: Placed very low on the face, it is small, discreet and slightly ajar.
The headdress: The top of the skull is marked by a dark area (black pigment) divided by vertical grooves, suggesting a hairstyle or crest.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
FANG MASK
Height
32 cm
Width
18 cm
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