Fang Mask, Gabon

Description of Significance:

Fang Ngil masks, originating from Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and southern Cameroon, were central to the Ngil society, a male secret association responsible for maintaining justice and social order. Known for their elongated faces, almond-shaped eyes, and a white kaolin coating symbolizing purity and ancestral spirits, these masks possess a ghostly, otherworldly quality. Their stylized, abstract features—prominent noses, small or absent mouths—emphasize spiritual connection over realism. Though colonial suppression diminished the use of Ngil masks, they remain globally influential, inspiring Western artists and contributing significantly to modern art’s evolution. This mask is a contemporary piece that references historic masks.

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in Gabon

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 8" 
• Width: 12" 
• Height: 30"

Sustainable Materials:

• Paint and stain
• Indigenous wood

Display Options:

• Wall Hanging: the mask comes with a wire installed on the back for easy wall hanging.

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. Ours are by talented artisans creating fine art that reference historic styles. Newly produced African art is gorgeous and we value these pieces. This includes contemporary aesthetics from the continent that may not necessarily look traditionally ‘African’. Our goal is to represent design in Africa that goes beyond the idea of ‘tribal’ as the styles of emerging artists are ever evolving.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Subsidized shipping with FedEx Ground: $65
• Smaller pieces like this are shipped with FedEx Ground. Shipping fine art is expensive, so we subsidize the cost of shipping for you.
• A declared value is included in each shipment so a signature upon delivery is required. 
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.