RELIQUARY KWELE - Gabon
02
days
22
hours
03
minutes
48
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakwele
Material. Wood
Dimension. 45 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative wooden sculpture is a very expressive and unique piece that fits within the traditions of the art of the Ogooué basin, more specifically linked to the Kwélé (Kwele) aesthetic, a people living in northeastern Gabon and in the Republic of Congo.
The head concentrates the visual codes typical of the Kwélé ethnicity, though reinterpreted here in volume rather than as a flat mask:
The heart-shaped face (ekuk): The facial features are set in an inverted heart shape, a characteristic stylistic convention of Kwélé art, which often symbolizes forest spirits or clairvoyance in the face of sorcery.
The almond-shaped eyes: The eyes are elongated and half-closed, incised with a horizontal slit (often compared to "coffee grains").
The scarifications / Tears: The vertical lines carved under the eyes evoke ritual scarifications or tear marks, reinforcing the mystical or introspective dimension of the figure.
The hairstyle: It is imposing, sculpted in relief, resembling braids or lobes falling on each side of the face, topped with a crown-like crest.
An Atypical Structure (the long neck and base)
While Kwélé art is world-famous for its flat masks (such as the pipibudzè mask or the bélier bata mask), statues or effigies in the round are much rarer.
The long cylindrical neck: It connects the sacred head to the low structure. The clear area shows natural wear of the wood or the remnant of an old fitting/ligature.
The tripod base: The base consists of a circular platform supported by three sturdy flared feet. This shape strangely evokes some African headrests or small ritual stools.
Potential Function of the Object
Given its structure (a head on a long staff attached to a stable base), this piece could have had two main uses:
A puppet or a dance scepter: In certain ceremonies or initiations of the Kota/Kwélé cultural complex, carved heads mounted on a handle were brandished by initiates or clan leaders to interact with the public or symbolize authority.
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakwele
Material. Wood
Dimension. 45 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative wooden sculpture is a very expressive and unique piece that fits within the traditions of the art of the Ogooué basin, more specifically linked to the Kwélé (Kwele) aesthetic, a people living in northeastern Gabon and in the Republic of Congo.
The head concentrates the visual codes typical of the Kwélé ethnicity, though reinterpreted here in volume rather than as a flat mask:
The heart-shaped face (ekuk): The facial features are set in an inverted heart shape, a characteristic stylistic convention of Kwélé art, which often symbolizes forest spirits or clairvoyance in the face of sorcery.
The almond-shaped eyes: The eyes are elongated and half-closed, incised with a horizontal slit (often compared to "coffee grains").
The scarifications / Tears: The vertical lines carved under the eyes evoke ritual scarifications or tear marks, reinforcing the mystical or introspective dimension of the figure.
The hairstyle: It is imposing, sculpted in relief, resembling braids or lobes falling on each side of the face, topped with a crown-like crest.
An Atypical Structure (the long neck and base)
While Kwélé art is world-famous for its flat masks (such as the pipibudzè mask or the bélier bata mask), statues or effigies in the round are much rarer.
The long cylindrical neck: It connects the sacred head to the low structure. The clear area shows natural wear of the wood or the remnant of an old fitting/ligature.
The tripod base: The base consists of a circular platform supported by three sturdy flared feet. This shape strangely evokes some African headrests or small ritual stools.
Potential Function of the Object
Given its structure (a head on a long staff attached to a stable base), this piece could have had two main uses:
A puppet or a dance scepter: In certain ceremonies or initiations of the Kota/Kwélé cultural complex, carved heads mounted on a handle were brandished by initiates or clan leaders to interact with the public or symbolize authority.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
RELIQUARY KWELE
Height
45 cm
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