This African mask of the Fang shows one of many stylistic variations of the Ngil Fang masks. They have an elongated shape in which the eye sockets are deeply buried. Thin slits protect the eyes and a very long nose often replaces the reduced or completely missing mouth. Incisions on the cheek and forehead represent scarifications. The appearance of these masks covered with kaolin (the white color recalls the power of the ancestors) in the middle of the night evoked terror. This type of mask was used by the ngil male society, which no longer exists today. This secret society was responsible for initiations and fought against witchcraft. The Ngil was a ritual of cleansing fire symbolized by the gorilla. The wearers of these masks, always in large numbers, appeared at night, illuminated by torches. Their intervention was also linked to justice by prosecuting those responsible for negative actions in the village. The Fang tribe, located in a region between Yaoundé in Cameroon and Ogooué in Gabon, never had a political unity. The cohesion of the clans was secured by religious and legal associations such as the so and the ngil. Shipping, Invoice, etc. - We offer combined shipping within Europe for many of our objects. (Combined shipping is only possible within the themed auction - please pay at the end of the auction so that the Catawiki system can combine the purchased objects into one order). You can find out more about this under "Shipping" - Your purchase will be carefully and securely packed and shipped with DHL - We carry out one delivery per order and do not refund double-paid shipping costs - Please check the goods within three days of delivery. If you have any problems, please open a dispute to clarify the error afterwards. Later complaints cannot be accepted - The many pictures serve to supplement the description and are part of the auction. - The invoice is subject to differential taxation according to German tax law §25a USTG (used goods regulation). VAT is not shown on the invoice. (except non-EU countries) - we participate in the German environmental program for packaging and are LUCID certified