Fang Ngontang Janus Helmet Mask

This carved wooden Fang Janus helmet mask, known as an ngontang, was made by the Fang people of Gabon, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Ngontang masks feature two or more faces carved back-to-back on a hollowed block of wood.

Worn on top of the head during rituals, the mask represents ancestral spirits keeping watch in every direction. This example has pigmented facial panels, stylised features, a tiered coiffure and incised geometric decoration to the reverse.

The wood and pigments show age-related wear, including surface marks, minor splits and areas of flaking. Please refer to the photographs for condition.