Maskette, Fang; Gabon
Wood, brass hobnails, remains of sacrificial material;
H. 5 3/4"
Small maskettes were made by the Fang
to be worn on a dancer's arm or shoulder although
little information is known about their significance.
This particular example bears a face related to
that of the Fang Bieri sculptures, possibly
in the Ntumu sub-style. Based on other known
examples, the perforations around the perimeter
below the face of the maskette would have held a
fiber fringe. The fine surface patination and encrustation
suggest an early date of manufacture and a long
period of traditional usage.
