Kwele Tribe Mask
15 1/2" High; 11 1/2" Wide
$295
| A rare mask of the Kwele, a little-investigated ethnic group of Northeast Gabon and the adjacent area of the Republic of Congo.
Their masks, which represent benevolent forest spirits, danced only when the eyes were pierced, like in this very worn example. Mask is old, with pierced eyes, worn holes in the rim to secure the mask in front of the face and obvious signs of wear, particularly around the rim. Some tribal repairs were done to the top of the horns. For some unknown reason holes were drilled above the small faces at the end of the horns. It is believed to date from the second quarter of the 20th century. |