Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea Regions
Fang

Wood, metal, rattan, fiber rope
Early-Mid 20th century
Length:  14 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Metal Bell

The Fang are a Bantu-speaking people occupying the southernmost districts of Cameroon south of the Sanaga River, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and the forests of the northern half of Gabon south to the Ogooué River. Their artistic output has been enormous and the beauty and haunting character of Fang art has made it one of the most collected and sought-after of all the African arts, overshadowing many of their neighbors who practice similar ceremonies. This rare gong has its own wood carved striker attached with a figural head. The Fang used these bells for communicating with the here-after as well as in dance ceremonies of the “ngontang” society.