Lot A55 - Kwele Mask
Item number:
A55
Kwele Mask (Ekuk / Bata)
Kwele people, Gabon / Congo / Cameroon
Wood with light and dark patina.
Height: 42 cm.
Openwork mask with a heart-shaped frame encircling a stylized face. The narrow, almond-shaped eyes and arched brows form a continuous relief line above a slender triangular nose and small mouth. The contrasting light facial surface and darker surrounding structure are characteristic of Kwele carving traditions.
Such masks were associated with initiation societies and ritual performances.