Female mask "ngoin" · Cameroon Grassfields, Bamileke/Bamum · ID: 3034804
sold
EUR 1,000
Provenance
collected in situ (1968-1972)Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, tribe-typical facial features, rectangular opening in the parting, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
carved with the distinct headdress of royal titled wives, symbolizing the role of women as complementary to men. 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. “Ngoin” usually follows the leader mask in the dance sequence which includes several “ngoin” masks to complement the male human masks.
Comparing literature
Northern, Tamara, Expressions of Cameroon art, o. O. 1986, p. 54 f., ill. 43