Kwélé Mask - Gabon
02
days
14
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49
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22
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€ 1
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Estimate € 200 - € 220
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Masque Kwélé, a decorative wooden mask from Gabon of the Bakwele people, dating to the late 20th century, measuring 48 cm high by 37 cm wide and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Bakwele
Material: Wood
Dimensions: L 48 cm, width 37 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This mask presented here is an decorative example of Kwele style, a people living in the forest regions of Gabon, Cameroon and Congo.
It is a decorative anthropomorphic mask, stylized, often associated with Beete rituals. Its silhouette is distinguished by a heart- or horseshoe-shaped form, where a central diamond-shaped area — representing the face — is framed by two large curved horns meeting at the bottom.
Face: The face occupies the central part, with a diamond shape. It is generally painted white (traditionally kaolin-based), a color associated among the Kwele with spirituality, peace, and the world of ancestors.
Features: The eyes are represented by horizontal slits, often surrounded by dark motifs, while the nose is finely carved. The overall expression is calm and minimalist.
These masks were mainly used during ceremonies aimed at appeasing spirits, strengthening social cohesion within the village, and marking the end of initiation rites.
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Bakwele
Material: Wood
Dimensions: L 48 cm, width 37 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This mask presented here is an decorative example of Kwele style, a people living in the forest regions of Gabon, Cameroon and Congo.
It is a decorative anthropomorphic mask, stylized, often associated with Beete rituals. Its silhouette is distinguished by a heart- or horseshoe-shaped form, where a central diamond-shaped area — representing the face — is framed by two large curved horns meeting at the bottom.
Face: The face occupies the central part, with a diamond shape. It is generally painted white (traditionally kaolin-based), a color associated among the Kwele with spirituality, peace, and the world of ancestors.
Features: The eyes are represented by horizontal slits, often surrounded by dark motifs, while the nose is finely carved. The overall expression is calm and minimalist.
These masks were mainly used during ceremonies aimed at appeasing spirits, strengthening social cohesion within the village, and marking the end of initiation rites.
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
Kwélé Mask
Height
48 cm
Width
37 cm
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