Africa, Gabon, Fang, Betsi subgroup, ca. early 20th century CE. A finely carved mask depicting a tranquil visage with slatted almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, a prominent nose, and pursed lips on a concave facial plane - all surrounded by an abstract zigzagged coiffure or headdress with a striped band around the cheeks and a goatee like motif just under the chin. The piece is adorned by red and white pigment. For the Fang, the color white was associated with the spirits of the deceased. White kaolin was also used by healers during medical procedures. Hence this mask may relate to these practices or the ancestral realm. The male aspect suggests potential associations with male initiation rites as well. Size: 7.75" W x 11.5" H (19.7 cm x 29.2 cm); 14.375" H (36.5 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar example at the Brooklyn Museum, New York (2011.4.6). According to the curatorial team at the Brooklyn Museum, "Little is known about the functions of masks such as this one, since they fell out of use by 1910. It is thought that they might have had a role in boys’ initiations into adulthood." (https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/169092)

Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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#131674

Perforations at sides for attachment and/or suspension. Perforations around periphery for attaching adornments or costume. Expected surface wear with age cracks and a few inactive insect holes. Normal areas of encrustation and wear to pigment but much remains. Nice patina.