The Ghanian Fang Mask
Fang Masks
Fang masks hold an important place in Ghanaian history, as the masks were used in initiation ceremonies. The Fang people used masks in their secret societies. Members of this male society wore the masks during the initiation of new members and the persecution of wrongdoers. Masqueraders, clad in raffia costumes along with helpers, would materialize in the village after dark. Each of the maskers would bear a torchlight. Fang mask are normally elongated with the carved lines running from the forehead down to the tip of the nose.
A vast majority of the Fang tribe, inhabit the equatorial rain forest in Gabon. A Fang mask is also worn by spiritual leaders during rituals, to drive away evil spirits, or as symbols depicting wealth and prosperity.
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