250909 - Large Old African Ngontang Fang 3 faces mask - Gabon.
€145.00
African Ngontang mask from the Fang, Gabon.
This type of mask is used for entertainment of the spectators on festive occasions.
Hand carved from a single piece of wood.
Height: 42 cm.
This Fang mask is dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Multifaced masks (between two and six), like this one, consisting of three faces, existed and still exist among the Fang tribes (Bulu, Ntumu, Betsi, etc.) and Kwele, in northern Gabon, southern Cameroon, and Congo. They are called "Ngontang" by the Fang and "Ngontangang" by the Kwele. Both terms mean "young white woman." Dancing with this type of mask is said to protect against witchcraft. The underside is decorated with decorative black dots.