Female helmet mask "ngoin" ("ngon") · 

Cameroon Grassfields, Kom / Bekom or Babanki · ID: 3046608

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Description

wood, colour pigments, base

“Ngoin” represents a woman, the first wife of “kam”, who embodies the male leader. Both mask types appeared together.

The so-called “lineage masks” perform publicly at the commemorative death celebrations of Fons and title-holders and at the kingdoms annual dance, a high point of celebration during the festive cycle of the dry season.
“Ngoin” wears the distinct headdress of royal titled wives. The complete traditional vestment consists of a garment of blue and white royal cloth and a flywhisk. The mask dances in short contained steps appropriate to her noble image. The mask is worn on the head and the wearer looks through a cloth or net head covering.

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Comparing literature

Northern, Tamara, Expressions of Cameroon Art, Michigan 1986, p. 54 ff. Homberger, Lorenz (Hg.), Kamerun, Kunst der Könige, Zürich 2008, p. 97. ill. 60

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Publications

AHDRC: 0162577

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