Culture

A country with a primarily oral tradition up until the spread of literacy in the 21st century, Gabon is rich in folklore and mythology.

“Raconteurs” are currently working to keep traditions alive such as the mvett among the Fangs and the ingwala among the Nzebis.

Gabon also features internationally celebrated masks, such as the n’goltang (Fang) and the reliquary figures of the Kota. Each group has its own set of masks used for various reasons.

They are mostly used in traditional ceremonies such as marriage, birth and funerals. Traditionalists mainly work with rare local woods and other precious materials.