Helmet mask, female type "ngoin" ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Bamum · ID: 3037802

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, kaolin, high towering coiffure with opening in the parting, closed by an inserted piece of wood, drilled holes for attachment of ornament, slightly dam., vertical fine cracks, abrasion of paint;
the “ngoin” mask performed together with a whole group of masks belonging to one lineage, always following a male leader mask. 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.

Comparing literature

Northern, Tamara, Expressions of Cameroon art, Michigan 1986, p. 44 ff.