The ngil masks are tied to the association of ngil, which played judiciary and political roles among the Fang, assuring peace and hunting witches. The characteristics of the face reveal its superhuman character instead of  composed serenity. This character is also reasserted by the use of white, the color of spirits. The elongated features of the mask are further accentuated by the long line of the nose. This mask - unlike many other ngil masks has ears and a very definitive outline of the face, which gives the mask a very unique look. 

We have little information on the use of ngil masks. They obviously were a part of the paraphernalia of a male ngil society which used the masks in initiation ceremonies and to pursue and punish sorcerers and offenders. The supposedly tranquil expression of the masks therefore stands in striking contrast to the extremely frightening character of the masked performers who only performed at night in the light of torches.