Large, wooden, NGI (marks stages in the life cycle) African gorilla/monkey mask from the BULU tribe from Cameroon. The gorilla is important for members of the BULU tribe. Their masks and statues are used in various rituals, including the initiation rituals. The gorilla is regarded as a powerful and frightening animal with whom the members of the tribe like to be identified after the initiation. The gorilla is extremely important in the Bulu culture and is used as a symbol of strength and courage in various rituals, including rituals concerning initiation. This really is a great example of such a mask. Remarkably large with a beautiful patina that would show its use and age. Occupying the border region between Cameroon and Gabon, the Bulu form part of the Fang group and live not far from Kwele, with whom they share cultural similarities. On top of the head is a visible place, a kind of "hole" that would have been caused by ritual knives tap on the head with the point during rituals. This allows the power passes to the person performing the ritual. (PHOTO 4) The head is in good vintage condition. ~Similar items from this tribe have commanded great prices at Christies and Sotheby's tag words: Singe Fang monkey, bulu Fang monkey Masque-Heaume, Fang/Bulu, Gabon.
 
The mask measures 9.00 inches from front to back or 23.00 cm and 5.50 inches high or 14.00 cm.
 
The teeth are also made of wood and the eyes are made of some sort of glass. *Although we acquired this piece from a collector that gets his pieces from Africa we cannot be sure of the age of this piece except what we were told* If you have any questions are require additional photos you can contact us via the message/contact feature.