Kom
Female Headdress (Ngoin)
Kom, 1900-1932
Scroll
Kom
Female Headdress (Ngoin)
Kom, 1900-1932
Physical Qualities
Wood, 15 in. (38.1 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of A. Harvey and Phyllis K. Schreter, Baltimore
Object Number
1984.271
Ngoin is wife to the central character of masquerades in the kingdoms of the Cameroon Grasslands. She is identified by a black or deep dark brown patina and royal hairdress. In preparation for a performance, the red cosmetic, camwood, would have been rubbed into the head crest’s hair and fresh white kaolin applied to its eyes to draw attention to Ngoin’s glossy black features. Though called a mask, this work of art would have been worn on the top of the performer’s head, never covering his face. Its pronounced, rather bulbous features are characteristic traits of Grasslands arts.
"Meditations on African Art: Color," April 18, 2007-August 19, 2007, BMA, Karen Milbourne.
Frederick John Lamp, "See the Music Hear the Dance: Rethinking African Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art." New York: Prestel, 2003, p.160, ill.
