Rare Kwele Mask Gabon

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S O L D

Rare Kwele Mask Gabon

P R O V E N A N C E: old Belgium collection, Antwerp.

Kwele people, Gabon

High 32 cm., Iron stand

Rare Kwele Mask Gabon, with a recessed heart-shaped faced framing narrow eyes and a triangular nose, fine aged patina contrasted with white kaolin on the facial plane.

The residents of the equatorial forest of Central Africa primarily produced art that focused on ritual and cult, rather than objects that conveyed ideas of power and leadership. Though little is known about Kwele people who live on the border between Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo, a legacy of rare masks has surfaced, consisting of high stylized and abstract works.