FANG NGIL MASK

The Fang Ngil mask is a traditional mask of the Fang people of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. These masks are iconic for their elongated, oval faces, smooth surfaces, and minimalist features, often painted white with black accents. The whiteness symbolizes purity and connection to the spiritual world.

The Ngil masks were primarily used during rituals by the Ngil secret society, which acted as a judicial and spiritual authority. These ceremonies aimed to enforce laws, initiate new members, and protect the community by invoking ancestral spirits to uncover wrongdoing or combat malevolent forces. Today, Fang masks are celebrated as powerful symbols of African artistry and spirituality.