15” Hand-Carved Traditional African Mask, by Fang People from Gabon

Description

View 15” Hand-Carved Traditional African Mask, by Fang People from Gabon with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. The "Ngil" Style : The elongated oval shape, high rounded forehead, and highly stylized nose tapering down to a tiny mouth are core features of the Fang Ngil mask tradition. Modern Interpretation : While the overall proportions mimic classic Fang art, the specific use of textured yellow-brown ochre, bright green triangles for eyes, and the stamped decorative details at the chin indicate this piece is acontemporary artisan-made interpretation rather than an antique ritual piece. 15” Hand-Carved Traditional African Mask, by Fang People from Gabon   Stylized in a manner heavily influenced by Central and West African tribal aesthetics—most notably sharing distinct stylistic elements with Fang masks from Gabon or regional variants from Cameroon. Late 20 th Century.   Visual Characteristics Elongated Structure : The face is distinctly long and oval, a feature common to classic Fang Ngil masks . Abstract Detailing : It features a prominent linear nose bridge tapering down to a small, low-set rectangular mouth. Two small triangular carvings colored in green act as the stylized eyes. Texture and Pigmentation : The upper forehead area is finished with a textured, speckled ocher-yellow finish split vertically by a bold red accent stripe. A dark brown or black curved boundary frames the main heart-shaped visage   Key Tribal Design Identifiers: The "Ngil" Style : The elongated oval shape, high rounded forehead, and highly stylized nose tapering down to a tiny mouth are core features of the Fang Ngil mask tradition. Historically, these masks were worn by members of a powerful judicial secret society tasked with maintaining social order and hunting out bad spirits. Modern Interpretation : While the overall proportions mimic classic Fang art, the specific use of textured yellow-brown ochre, bright green triangles for eyes, and the stamped decorative details at the chin indicate this piece is a contemporary artisan-made interpretation rather than an antique ritual piece. These colorful decorative variations are frequently hand-carved by modern West African woodcarvers for the international art and global decor market   Commercial Artisan Finish : The clean, uniform stippling texture across the yellow-brown ocher face is a stylized aesthetic design technique. Authentic, historic Fang Ngil masks (which were predominantly used in rituals up until the early 20th century) were coated with a smooth, chalky white kaolin clay paste, rather than modern acrylic paints, pigments, or textured finishes.   Dimensions Weight 1.02 lbs.   H 15”   W   6”   D   5.5”   Thank you for your interest in WeAreCollectibles.com, your destination for exceptional one-of-a-kind collectibles, artwork, artifacts and investments. We cordially invite you to visit our Freehold, NJ gallery and warehouse to view our distinguished collection of African Art and beyond. We trust you will appreciate and value the craftsmanship of these talented artisans. Important: Please note that due to the age and historical nature of these pieces, minor surface variations, wear marks, or fine hairline fractures may be present. Such characteristics are consistent with the age and provenance of antiques and artifacts, and should be regarded not as defects, but as testament to each piece's unique character and historical significance. We continuously expand our collection with new additions, so we encourage you to visit our site regularly to discover the latest offerings. Provenance:  Purchased at an estate sale of a private collector in Long Island, New York.   Step into our world, where the past comes alive through carefully curated artifacts and unique works of art. Based in Freehold, New Jersey, we are passionate collectors and sellers of one-of-a-kind treasures, offering a diverse collection spanning African and American heritage. More than just a store, our brick-and-mortar location and warehouse serve as a gateway to the exceptional, where each sculpture, painting, bronze piece, antique, figurine, and hand-carved creation tells a story and represents a valuable investment. We travel the region, seeking out unique finds and specializing in purchasing estate sales, ensuring our collection is always evolving with fresh discoveries. Our inventory goes beyond mere decoration; it's an investment in culture, history, and the beauty of human ingenuity. Visit our physical store and warehouse to experience the thrill of discovering unique pieces, each chosen with a discerning eye and a deep appreciation for the artistry and sentiment they embody. It is not about simply selling items; it is about sharing a passion for history and connecting individuals with pieces that resonate deeply with them. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Masks.

Provenance

Ownership History Available

Colors

Green, brown, red

Dimensions

Weight 1.02 lbs. H 15” W 6” D 5.5”

Coating

Smooth chalky white kaolin clay paste

Culture

African

Handmade

Yes

Country of Origin

Gabon