Ngil mask – Wood – Fang – Gabon

Beautiful old mask from the NGIL society from the FANG tribe of Gabon.
This mask was carved in a sublime and rustic style. With a long nose and a mouth all under the mask, half-rounded eyes. The mask is covered with a kaolin layer.

These masks were used by the male NGIL society that no longer exists today. This secret society was responsible for the initiation and they fought against witchcraft. The Ngil had a ritual purifying fire symbolized by the gorilla.
The mask is in good condition with a beautiful aged patina and clear traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands.