Gabon: an extremely rare Fang mask auctioned in France
The Fang mask, auctioned in Montpellier, dates from the 19th century.
It would be that of a secret society.
AFP - PASCAL GUYOT
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
In France, a very rare mask from a secret society of the Fang people in Gabon will go on sale on March 26 in Montpellier, in the south of the country.
This work is estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 euros, but it could be sold for much more.
A similar property went for nearly 6 million euros in 2006 in Paris.
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This exceptional piece was discovered in an attic where it had been sleeping for a century by the descendants of the French colonial governor René-Victor Edward Maurice Fournier.
The latter, stationed alternately in Dakar and then in the Middle Congo, would have collected it around 1917 during a tour of Gabon.
With its broad domed forehead, almond-shaped eyes, long nose and raffia fiber beard, this 55 cm high mask, made of cheese wood, represents a human figure.
It would date from the 19th century.
This piece belonged, according to Jean-Christophe Giuseppi, the auctioneer in charge of the sale "
to the secret society of Ngil, "vigilantes" who roamed the villages to flush out troublemakers, among whom were individuals suspected of witchcraft
" .
The sale of this work should arouse great interest, especially among international collectors.
And for good reason: according to the auctioneer, there are only about ten masks of this type in the world.
►To listen also: Restitution of African works of art: "What is important is to create a legal framework"
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