Soul of the Forest, Antique African Fang Wall Art Mask

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An authentic Fang Ngil mask, standing at an impressive 31 inches high and approximately 12 inches wide. Originating from the … Read more An authentic Fang Ngil mask, standing at an impressive 31 inches high and approximately 12 inches wide. Originating from the Fang people of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, or Cameroon, this mask embodies a powerful and deeply symbolic aesthetic, distinguished by its remarkable and rare applied adornment.

The mask's striking form adheres to the classic elongated, tapering silhouette, featuring a deeply carved, concave facial plane. This particular example showcases a beautiful, aged light finish, likely the remnants of traditional kaolin (white clay) application, a symbolic color associated with ancestors and the spirit world. What truly elevates this mask is the exquisitely integrated woven ropework that meticulously traces the contours of its face and delineates its central features. This intricate fiber adornment, expertly applied, provides an unparalleled tactile and visual dimension, transforming the mask into a textured narrative of its cultural origins.

The stylized facial features – including incised eyes, a long, slender nose extending down the center, and a minimalist mouth – contribute to its enigmatic and serene yet imposing expression. The presence of the woven ropework, unique in its application, imbues the mask with a profound sense of craftsmanship and ritualistic significance. As discussed before, the inclusion of rope or fiber in African masks often carries profound symbolic weight, representing connection, binding spiritual forces, strength, resilience, or even the unity of a community, adding another layer of meaning to this extraordinary piece.

**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio. See less