Ngil Mask From The Fang Ethnicity Of Gabon

Very beautiful old NGIL dance mask of the FANG ethnic group from GABON in soft wood (cheese maker) covered with kaolin, obvious traces of use, old visible fixing replaced by holes to hang the more recent loincloth. Small lack at the bottom left otherwise good condition. The ngil mask is a tool of judicial and police power, also invoking the spirit of ancestors and genies, but used exclusively during purifying rites carried out by the secret society of the Ngil, a male group responsible for tracking down sorcerers and restoring the social order within the community. Representing the worship of the ancestors, he was charged with a policuer power often intervening at night, to drive out the troublemakers among the population. In soft and light cheese wood, it is covered with kaolin, symbolizing the strength and clairvoyance of the spirit. This type of mask, much sought after, had served as an inspiration for Picasso for his young ladies from Avignon, free shipping worldwide