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Face Mask

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© Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Additional Images

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Basic Information

Accession Number:1988A76
Collection:Ethnography - Africa

Maker Information

Maker:Fang People - View history

Notes

These masks were made by the Fang people. They represent spiritual ancestors and are used to exorcise spirits and enforce laws.Most masks would never have been worn on their own. Many would have some kind of long grass fringe to hide the body of the dancer below. To increase the sense of awe and fear they would materialise in the village after dark, illuminated by flickering torchlight and perform to sounds of loud music and chanting.

Presented by Westfield Museum.

Further Information

Production Period:20th century
Material(s):Wood
Place of Origin:Gabon

Dimensions

Height:330 mm
Width:234 mm
Depth:140 mm