Lot 291, Auction 3/19/2026: Central African Kwele Wood & Kaolin Painted Mask

$390.00

In stock

Central Africa, Gabon, Kwele people, ca. early 20th century CE. This carved wood mask features the characteristic heart-shaped face accented with kaolin white and dark pigments. Kwele social order is reinforced through the secret society known as Be’ete (Bwete), whose masked performances accompany adult initiations, funerary rites, and efforts to safeguard the community from harmful spiritual forces. Size: 13.25″ L x 10.25″ W (33.7 cm x 26 cm)

Condition: Old abrasions and small losses to wood on the peripheries and the right suspension hole. Fading and losses to pigments.

Provenance: private Rogers, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Bosio collection, Miami, Florida, USA, 1960-2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.