African Tribal Kwele Spirit Mask-Hardwood-Gabon

Description

Kwele Spirit Mask-Central Africa-Hardwood-Tribal-Gabon.
The Kwele mask represents spirits of the forest and the bush. It is used for the initiation ceremony or at the end of the mourning period to bring community wellness.
The masks act as intermediaries between the world of the bush and the world of the village. They have both animal and human features. When they have horns, they are always pointed downwards. The eyes are narrow and almond shaped slits, the nose is a pointed triangle. Masks are traditionally painted with kaolin, a white clay that is also used to make porcelain. Masks are mostly heart shaped with the mouth close to the chin. The Kwele mask is never worn, but shown to the participants and spectators.
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