Bulu Gorilla sculpture

This Ngil fetish is a unique ritual object used by the Bulu people of Central Africa. It is made of wood and metal and measures 25x23x83 cm. The fetish represents a being that is half monkey half human. The body is that of a man, but the head is that of a gorilla. The eyes are large and prominent, and the mouth is opened in a threatening grin. It is likely that this fetish belonged to a senior initiate of the Ngil cult. It was used during ritual ceremonies to invoke the protection of the Ngi gorilla. This sculpture is a work from the middle of the 20th century and originated in Cameroon.