Fang (Fan, Mpangwe, Pahuin, Pamue, Pangwe), Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon

Ceremonial Mask. The Fang number 800,000 and constitute a vast mosaic of village communities, established in a large zone of Atlantic equatorial Africa comprising Cameroon, continental Equatorial Guinea and nearly the whole north of Gabon. Historically the Fang were itinerant, and it is relatively recently that they have settled into this broad area. Their social structure is based on a clan, a group of individuals with a common ancestor, and on the family. No precise information is available concerning the function of this mask. Apparently, it is a ngontang mask which symbolizes a ‘young white girl’.

Material: wood

Size: 17½”x 6”x 5”