Description : Title: Hand Carved Wooden Kwele Bata Mask Origin: African, 19th - 20th century Medium: Wood, Patina, Kaolin Dimensions: 10 x 12.5 x 2 inches. Condition:Good Additional: This mask is believed to originate from the Kwele tribe in the Cameroon and Gabon regions of Africa, and dated between the 19th - 20th century. It has a recessed heart-shaped face framing a triangular nose, narrow eyes, and small mouth at the base of the chin. The heart-shaped frame often refers to 'Bata' or the horns of rams, and represent the unification of the spirit world with the village. It has a dark brown patina on the nose and outer face contrasting with what is believed to be white kaolin clay on the facial plane. These masks are known as 'ekuk' or 'things of the forest' and act as intermediaries between the spirits of the forest and the villagers to promote unification and well-being. The Kwele peoples incorporated animalistic features and zoomorphic masks to embody the spirits of the bush. The white color represents clairvoyance to combat the negative energies of witchcraft, an enemy the Kwele peoples strongly believed influenced their community. In times of crisis, these masks were often used in ceremonies called 'Beete' as a way to tap in to the powers of their ancestors.
Price: 36.00 USDIt's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 100 USD-2000 USDIt's free to register now to view!
About the lot N° 8002 Title : Kwele Bata Mask Size : 12.5 x 2 inc Condition report : Good Blue Box Auction Gallery, auctioneer, Virginia Beach, USIt's free to register now to view! Sale title : Relics Antiques, and Artifacts: Timeless Treasures Sale date : 19 Aug 2023It's free to register now to view! Sale Reference : Live Sale
