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Kwele ethnic group
The Bakwele (Ba marks the plural) live on the border between Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo and are mainly known for their original masks. 

Kwele Masks 

The Kwele do not have any statuettes, they only have masks, including the most astounding and remarkable ones of all Africa, since they are very specific and very different from those of other ethnic groups:  The latter are usually flat, bicolour with a basis (colour both related to light, death and struggle against evil curses), obtained by the smearing of kaolin before each use, on the central part and in brown for the edges; these are mainly characterised by their heart-shape, their triangular nose and their eyes, which are either slit or in the form of coffee beans.  These pieces are named Ekuk by the Kwele.

The Kwele mask
The main function of the Kwele was to entertain the village, in order to activate the beneficial forces inhabiting the Bwete (reliquary basket containing the bones of the ancestors - outfit borrowed from their neighbours, the Kota, to whom they are often associated). Besides these ceremonial periods, Kwele masks were rarely worn; most often these would remain hung in the houses, to protect against evil spirits and/or to stimulate beneficial forces. 

This mask perfectly complies with the Kwele aesthetic canons, with its heart and its almond-eyes.

2nd half 20th century - Excellent 

Mask (1) - Wood - Bakwélé - Gabon 

African & Tribal Art

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Tribal art and objects

Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal masks

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Mask

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Country of origin

DR Congo

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Mali

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Congo

Gabon

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Material

Wood

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Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

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Dust jacket

Period

Late 20th century

2000-2010

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Non-CITES species

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Acrylic painting

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African & Tribal Art

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Mask (1) - Wood - Bakwélé - Gabon

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