Kwele Antelope Mask - Gabon

The Kwele people are a tribal group of eastern Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Cameroons in Central Africa. They fled the coastal area of West Africa during the 19th century after their traditional enemies acquired firearms from the slave traders.

The Kwele masks represent the spirits of the forest and the bush and are presented during initiation ceremonies and or at the end of a mourning period to promote well-being within a community. The 'eyes' are always narrow with almond-shaped slits with a small pointed triangular nose. The face of the masks are normally painted with white kaolin, this is done to represent peace and tranquillity in the spirit world. 

Each Kwele mask is an "original" work of art, individually hand-carved, no two are exactly alike which adds to the value of each piece.

Size: 51cm Height x 13cm Width