RELIQUARY KWELE - Gabon
09
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 200 - € 220
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Description from the seller
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakwele
Material. Wood
Dimension. 45 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
This decorative wooden sculpture is a highly expressive and distinctive piece that sits within the traditions of the art of the Ogooué basin, more specifically linked to the Kwélé aesthetic (or Kwele), a people living in northeastern Gabon and in the Republic of the Congo.
The head concentrates the visual codes typical of the Kwélé ethnic group, though reinterpretations here in volume rather than a flat mask:
The heart-shaped face (ekuk): The facial features are inscribed in an inverted heart form, an emblematic 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 beans).
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 by a crown-like crest.
An Atypical Structure (The long neck and the base)
While Kwélé art is famous worldwide for its flat masks (such as the pipibudzè mask or the Bata ram mask), statues or volume effigies are much rarer.
The long cylindrical neck: It links the sacred head to the lower structure. The clear area shows natural wood wear or the vestige of an old mortise/joint.
The tripod base: The base consists of a circular platform supported by three sturdy flaring feet. This shape resembles certain African headrests or small ritual stools.
Potential Function of the Object
Given its structure (a head on a long handle attached to a stable base), this piece may 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 audience or symbolize authority.
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakwele
Material. Wood
Dimension. 45 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
This decorative wooden sculpture is a highly expressive and distinctive piece that sits within the traditions of the art of the Ogooué basin, more specifically linked to the Kwélé aesthetic (or Kwele), a people living in northeastern Gabon and in the Republic of the Congo.
The head concentrates the visual codes typical of the Kwélé ethnic group, though reinterpretations here in volume rather than a flat mask:
The heart-shaped face (ekuk): The facial features are inscribed in an inverted heart form, an emblematic 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 beans).
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 by a crown-like crest.
An Atypical Structure (The long neck and the base)
While Kwélé art is famous worldwide for its flat masks (such as the pipibudzè mask or the Bata ram mask), statues or volume effigies are much rarer.
The long cylindrical neck: It links the sacred head to the lower structure. The clear area shows natural wood wear or the vestige of an old mortise/joint.
The tripod base: The base consists of a circular platform supported by three sturdy flaring feet. This shape resembles certain African headrests or small ritual stools.
Potential Function of the Object
Given its structure (a head on a long handle attached to a stable base), this piece may 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 audience 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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