Click on a name to see a larger image and different views.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photographs © Tim Hamill
FANG, NGONTANG HELMET MASKS, Gabon
Helmet masks like these, with Janus or multiple faces, were worn over the head, or, if too small, on top of the head. Originally called mfulenkakh, they are now known as ngontang. Their role was to discover and combat sorcery. After 1950 they became less impressive artistically and less important culturally.
There is an excellent article on Fang masks in the Autumn/Winter issue of Tribal Art.
Despite their appearance this group of helmet masks show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
RETURN TO SIDE BY SIDE EXHIBITION PAGE
GO TO FANG BIERI FIGURES PAGE 2
GO TO FANG KNIFE CURRENCY PAGE
