Antique African Mask Copy of Rare African Fang Mask

The exact copy of the rare Fang Ngilmask from Gabon sold for €2,407,500 in the African and Oceanic Art sale at Christie’s in Paris.

 

Like the Bwami society of the Lega peoples, the Fang tribes of Gabon, Cameroon, and Guinea had their own sects, sub-groups, and brotherhoods. Among these was the Ngil, a community of men who took it upon themselves to enact acts of justice under the cover of both night and masks. Masks played a key role in Fang society: the more elaborate the mask, the greater one’s status and rank in the social hierarchy. In keeping with their retributive mission, the Ngil wore some of the most intimidating masks of all.

 

This rare example of a Ngil-style mask stands at 60cm, the elongated face designed to frighten people who might be harboring evil intentions.