Helmet mask "ngoin", 19th century ·  Cameroon, Tikar/Kom · ID: 3042296

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, small remains of white and red paint, pear-shaped face with prominent circular eyes, round bulging coiffure with flat lancet-shaped crest, slightly dam. (right ear), abrasion of paint, insect caused missing parts (above all backside at the lower rim and on the inside);
this is a typical female mask - “ngoin” - distinct with the hairdress of royal titled wives (central lozenge-shape). “Ngoin” serves as a generic symbol of womanhood. “Ngoin” masks always followed a male leader mask. 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.

The object Helmet mask “ngoin”, 19th century with the object ID 3042296 was last part of the auction 86th Tribal Art Auction at May 27, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 374.

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