Dance mask - Kwele / Bakwele

lot/dance mask kwele bakwele gabon JxavHBd 633210496 / For sale

lot/dance mask kwele bakwele gabon JxavHBd 633210496

For saleAuction results

lot/dance mask kwele bakwele gabon JxavHBd 633210496

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Dance mask - Kwele / Bakwele - Gabon

Gabon Kwélé / bakwélé Wood Dimensions : Height : 410mm Width : 290mm Depth : 100mm This 41 cm tall wooden mask is a stylistic masterpiece from the Kwele people, who live in the dense forests of northern Gabon, the northwestern Republic of the Congo, and the edges of Cameroon. This specific model, characterized by its large curved appendages, is called the Pipiboudze mask (or ram mask), one of the most powerful and emblematic archetypes of Congo Basin art. 1. Stylistic Features and Purified Symbolism The heart-shaped structure and ram horns: The striking feature of this work lies in its two large stylized horns that rise from the top of the head, flare outward, and meet under the chin, enclosing the face in a vast heart-shaped protective structure. They symbolize the strength and tenacity of the wild ram. The almond-shaped anthropomorphic face: The treatment of the central face is typical of the Kwele beauty canon, characterized by an almond-shaped stylized face, half-closed eyes finely stretched into “coffee beans,” and a triangular nose delicately carved in relief. The ritual use of Kaolin: The face is completely coated with white kaolin (or white clay). In Central Africa, the white color is not merely aesthetic: it materializes the sacred, clairvoyance, spiritual light, and the direct link with the invisible world of spirits and ancestors. The internal structure: The back face shows a central hollow crudely carved with a adze, surrounded by the flat reverse of the horns, making it an object designed to be manipulated, displayed, or attached to a structure during dances. 2. Social and Ritual Use: The Great Beete Cult In the social organization of the Kwele, who did not have a centralized chief, village balance and cohesion were constantly threatened by political instability or fear of witchcraft. This mask intervened during major Beete ceremonies: Fighting community crises: The Beete ritual was triggered during grave events (famines, epidemics, recurring deaths among notable people). The Pipiboudze mask, representing a powerful and combative bush spirit, served to purify the village by driving away the miasma of discord and malevolent entities. The embodiment of protective force: Unlike Ekuk-type masks, which bring softness and conviviality to awaken positive village energies, the ram mask embodies brute force, resilience, and the spiritual authority needed to face the most formidable dangers of the unseen. Unification of the clan: During the several days of Beete ceremonies, songs, ritual hunts, and appearances of masks obliged villagers to bury their war axes and share a common sacrificial meal, thus crucially strengthening solidarity and group survival. The objects are sent with insurance and tracking number. Fast and protected shipping. The packages are sent from Monday to Saturday via Colissimo Expert with tracking number. Delivery in France in 1 to 3 days, 2 to 5 days across Europe. Delivery worldwide. Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano

Estimate:$168.01

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