Helmet mask, Fang; Gabon
Wood, brass hobnails, pigment; H. 14 1/2"
Known as Ngontang (or Ngontanga),
this mask variety appeared among the Fang people
of southern Cameroon and Gabon shortly before 1920.
It represents a spirit of the dead visiting as a
young white woman from the world beyond. The mask
was used to locate sorcerers–those who misuse
spiritual powers–but also performs at feasts,
funerals, celebrations of birth, and on the occasion
of an important communal decision. Fang interpretation
of the four faces on this mask varies from four
spirits to four stages of life to four relatives.
It should be noted that examples exist with one,
two, or three faces. Moreover, many examples bear
mask-like faces that are all of the same size. With
regards to this mask, the difference in size of
the various maskettes adds to the overall interest
of the piece.
