African Fine Arts - AFRICAN-ART

This three dimensional Ngoin mask is worn on top of the head of a male dancer who's face is concealed by a thin cloth. The characteristics of the mask are closely associated with that of the Babanki style. Ngoin masks are one of several types that appear in memorial ceremonies held for important deceased persons in the kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. They are danced before the entire community, who view the masks with awe and reverence. They are often sculpted with different types of coiffures such as buns or spider motifs or, in this case, carved faces. The multiple male heads are the symbolic representation of male moral and political authority as well as of the strength of the lineage.