Night Society Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Bangwa
wood
Cameroon
Overall: 16 1/2 × 9 1/2 × 11 in. (41.91 × 24.13 × 27.94 cm)
2004.36
This mask is the emblem of the Bangwa Night Society, the group of leaders responsible for enforcing the law and punishing criminals. Blackened from years of offerings and soot, the mask aims to invoke fear. With its mysterious, deep-set eyes, pointed teeth, and its two faces—to see in all directions—this powerful work achieves its scary intent.
Gift of Robert and Nancy Nooter
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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