A Fang Ntumu head, Gabon, with rhomboid eyes, placed on an heartshaped fascial plane,

A Fang Ntumu head refers to a type of sculptural work created by the Fang people, an ethnic group from Central Africa, primarily found in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. The Fang are known for their rich artistic traditions, particularly in the field of sculpture, and their art is deeply tied to spiritual practices, ancestor worship, and the initiation of young people into adulthood.

The Ntumu head is a specific kind of ceremonial mask or sculpture that is often associated with Fang funerary rituals or initiatory rites. These heads are typically carved from wood, although other materials like ivory and bone can sometimes be used, and they are considered powerful symbols of the deceased or of ancestral spirits.

The Ntumu head typically features exaggerated facial features, such as a high forehead, large eyes, and a prominent nose, with an overall elongated and stylized appearance. These heads are highly abstract and tend to prioritize symbolic representation over realism. The heads may often be placed on ritual objects or worn during ceremonial events.

The expression on the face is usually serene or contemplative, signifying the peaceful nature of the spirits or ancestors that are being honored.

The Ntumu head, like other Fang sculptures, is closely linked to spiritual and ritual purposes, often used in initiation ceremonies for young men or in funerary rites for deceased elders or important community figures. The heads may be kept in ritual spaces, such as the nganga (sacred shrines or shrines to ancestors), and are believed to embody the spirit of the deceased or to serve as a focal point for ancestral veneration.

Funerary use of Ntumu heads is particularly significant. When a high-ranking individual in the community dies, a sculpted head may be created to represent their spirit, ensuring that the deceased's essence remains present and active within the community. The head may serve as a conduit for communication between the living and the dead, facilitating ancestral guidance and protection.

The most common material used for creating these heads is wood, which is carved and sometimes polished to a smooth finish. Some examples might have ivory or metal adornments, depending on the status of the individual being honored.

The Fang are also known for creating objects from ivory, often in the form of intricately carved figurines, masks, and ritual objects, although the ivory was traditionally used for very high-ranking or special ritual pieces.

Fang art, particularly its masks and figural sculptures, plays an important role in the cultural and religious life of the Fang people. The Ntumu head, like many other Fang sculptures, is seen as a way to establish a connection with the spirit world and with the deceased. It embodies the ancestral power and serves as a focal point for the community's rituals.

The Fang’s belief system holds that ancestral spirits guide and protect the living, and the creation of these heads is a way to preserve the power and wisdom of those who have passed. The deceased’s spirit continues to participate in the life of the community through ritual interactions with these representations.

The Fang sculptures, including Ntumu heads, have had a significant influence on the development of modern art, particularly in Europe during the early 20th century. Pablo Picasso and other modernists were inspired by African art, including Fang works, and incorporated elements of African sculpture into their own works. Picasso’s famous use of abstracted forms in his early works, such as his iconic Cubist portraits, reflects the aesthetic values seen in African sculptures like the Ntumu heads.

The Fang are a broad group with regional differences, so the style and use of Ntumu heads can vary depending on the local traditions of the different Fang subgroups. The Ntumu head is one of many types of ritual sculptures used across the Fang culture, and each head can be specific to a local or family tradition.

In summary, the Fang Ntumu head is a highly symbolic and powerful object, serving as both a spiritual representation of ancestors and a functional element in rituals related to death, initiation, and community unity. These heads encapsulate a deep connection to Fang religious practices and ancestral reverence, while also influencing the wider world of modern art.

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Height: 45 cm
Weight: 1,5 kg