African Tribal mask Gabon
I was told it was given to a man in Africa while he was studying reptiles in the area. He kept it in his office for over 30 years. He passed away several years ago and the mask was auctioned off at an auction I was attending. It is made of wood. It appears that something is missing, because there are several holes along both sides. Maybe some cordage, or “hair”. The wood is very light, not heavy at all.
33” X 10”
Other
Yes
Hello,
Your item is an African tribal-style carved wooden mask, attributed in the description to Gabon. This mask likely draws from traditional Fang or Kota aesthetics, which are prevalent in that region. The elongated facial proportions and stark stylization are reminiscent of Fang Ngil masks, which were historically used in secret society initiation rituals. The mask is made from lightweight wood, and the presence of symmetrical perforations along the sides suggests it may have once been adorned with raffia, fiber, or hair-like elements, as typical in ceremonial use.
Based on the described provenance and visible wear, it appears to be a decorative reproduction rather than an original field-collected artifact. These pieces, while not ethnographically sourced, are nonetheless collected for their craftsmanship and aesthetic value, especially when aged or made using traditional methods.
