Ngil mask – Wood – Fang – Gabon

Great 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 with eyebrows nicely shaped and which end at the same height of the 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 patina of age.