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BLANCHET & Associés
160
-
Fang mask, Gabon, wood, H.33cmxW.
See original version (French)
160
-
Fang mask, Gabon, wood, H.33cmxW.
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
Fang mask, Gabon, wood, H.33cmxW.20cm. The Ngontang mask, which evokes the spirit of a young white woman, seems to be a customary response to the arrival of Europeans, who were immediately perceived as disrupting the Fang world. As the colour white is traditionally associated with the world of the dead and the spirits, the confusion was undoubtedly at its height and demanded a strong ritual response. This Ngontang mask was benevolent and was used at funerals and other major family events, as well as during ceremonies in honour of the ancestors. It came into widespread use throughout the country in the second half of the 19th century.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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