Like many tribes living in the same territory (such as the Fang, Kota, Mahongwe, Vuvi and others), the Tsogho people of southcentral Gabon had a deep-rooted ancestor cult. In bush camps, the young men of the Tsogho people were introduced to their ancestor cult by adults belonging to the ‘Bwiti’ initiation society. At the end of the ritual, bush spirits with masks and costumes appeared. The present mask represents one such bush spirit. Made of light-coloured, lightweight wood in typical Tsogho forms: with eyebrow arches, a short, large, angular nose, the eyes outlined and slit-shaped. The free face parts are coloured in white (with kaolin), whilst the hair, the relief bands on the forehead and chin, the eyebrows, nose and mouthpiece as well as the side edge of the mask are coloured black and brown. The characteristically small mouth is set in a contrasting dark structure in relief. The mouth and four scarification marks (2 vertical lines on each cheek) are dyed red (powdered redwood). The entire mask is trimmed with an old, original, thick wreath made of plant fibres. This rare mask displays impressive, old usage patina both on the front and on the reverse (inside). With interesting, early original repairs to the upper portion of the hair (a copper clamp), and with old sheet metal on the front of the hair and at the beginning of the forehead. Small pieces broken off on the back rim. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; H: 31 cm (wood mask), 46 cm (with bast edge). (ME)

Provenance: Austrian private collection.

Literature: 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 908; 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 585.