Mask Helmet or Helm Ngontang of the Fangs

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Mask Helmet or Helm Ngontang of the Fangs

Name: Mask Helmet or Helm Ngontang of the Fangs
Brand: Antikeo
SKU: H8GQF0ILIG
Price: 1450 EUR
Availability: InStock

By Gallery de Rochefort

1.450 €

Period 20th century

Style Tribal Art

DELIVERY

From: 17300, Rochefort, France

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Item offered for sale by

galerie de Rochefort

17300 Rochefort

Display phone number +33 6 18 18 11 48

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Description

This description has been translated and may not be completely accurate. Click here to see the original

The helmet mask or helm called ngontang, used by the Fangs, is a fascinating ritual object. The dancer in trance wears this mask to which long plant fibers are attached to the edge, thus hiding the dancer. The mask is white because it represents a young girl's spirit who came to protect the tribe. Thanks to its three faces and six eyes, it is capable of spotting sorcerers and evil spirits wherever they are.

The mask is made of soft wood, quite light, and has three heart-shaped faces. It has a beautiful and significant patina of use as well as significant age erosion, dating from the first half of the 20th century. Please note, it has cracks, dents and notable erosion. It measures 33 cm high. The decoration of small holes, made with a white-hot metal rod, represents ritual scarifications.
This mask is rare, and a rather similar example with a heart-shaped face was observed at Christie's.=> FANG

Ref: H8GQF0ILIG

Additional Information

Condition	As is
Ethnic group	Fang - Pahouin
Style	Tribal Art (African Masks of Tribal Art Style)
Period	20th century (African Masks 20th century)
Country of origin	Gabon