Kwele peoples, Gabon
Early 20th century
Wood, pigment
54 x 19.8 x 6 cm (21 1/4 x 7 13/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
2005-6-97, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 61)
More/Less Information
Human features and bongo antelope horns are combined in this Kwele face mask that represents a benevolent forest spirit. It was used by members of Beete, a religious organization dedicated to dealing with crises and countering negative, anti-social behavior, thus ensuring order. Masks were danced during ceremonies and funerary and initiation rites or were hung on the wall of structures built for Beete.
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