Ngi mask

Probably from north Gabon, this mask is a small version of an Ngi mask, which is usually huge in size. This mask would have originally been worn with a fiber ruff and a raffia costume, which would have enhanced the desired effect of fear in the viewer. This Fang mask is connected with the Ngi (also Ngil) society yielding political and judicial powers. Its activity was recognized in all southern parts of Fang territory, among Ntumu, Okak and Betsi. The mask's job was to confound the sorcerer, hunt down the social deviant and punish the criminal.