As for masks PUNU, here's a little history on FANG.
The Fangs are an African ethnic group present in Central Africa such as Gabon (about 30% of the population) and Cameroon (minority).
This type of mask was used by the secret society male Ngil, now defunct, and had a judicial character. Its purpose was to research and put out of harm's Stone beyem responsible for an evil spirit. The introduction to "Ngil 'included:
- purification prior physical and moral
- a flogging;
- a confession of crimes and / or fracture of prohibitions;
- an ordeal ordeal;
- a presentation of relics ancestor (Byers);
- sacrifices and torture.
was a symbolic passing of the androgynous state to state adult, sexually defined.
The sacred place of "Ngil" was a clearing in the bush, rectangular, named Esam, with large effigies of wet earth vaguely human shape representing "Ngil" and his wife.
The neophytes had to crawl before these effigies in passing over a pit in which were hidden the warriors seeking to injure their arms. They were also subjected to the ants.
Only men could be introduced to "Ngil. The "Ngil" was in fact used as protecting the individual against witchcraft and poisoning. It was part of the rituals of regulation Gabonese traditional village life.
The ritual continues in the courtyard of the village at dawn or dusk. Armed with a sword ritual or a simple club, the "Ngil" was supposed to destroy the huts of the villagers in conflict with the other members of society. Such talk focused on adultery, theft or debts.
The wearer of the mask had a deep voice and distorted in order not to recognize that frightened women and children.
The French colonial authorities forbade this type of mask 1910.
Well, a little history ...
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