Mask (Kwele).
Gabon.
Wood, pigment, thick patina, height: 36 cm.
Aura Collection.
This mask is the representation of a forest spirit, half-animal,
half-human, named Ekuk, used for the particular rites of Beete.
The Kwele masks, of different shapes, were all more or less
linked to this initiatory society which was gathering both
notables and warriors. Rituals were meant to mobilise the
magical forces of the community to resolve crisis situations and
promote the collective life of the village, and especially hunting.