BAMILEKELE, CAMEROON Ngain mask depicting a young princess with a vulva-shaped cavity at the top of her head. Her face features an alert, benevolent expression accentuated by wide-open eyes. Hardwood, natural white pigments, old brown and honey patina, internal signs of use. H. 43 cm. These masks were not worn, but presented on the head of a dignitary held in levitation by the cavity at the top of the head, personifying the idea of fertility and femininity.

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