Harassed by their neighbors the Kwele were forced to reside in the northern region of the Congo and in the country of Gabon. Artistically they are known for the famous “Ekuk” mask. The word ekuk means “forest spirit and children of Beete.” This unique mask is characterized by having a whitened heart shaped face with coffee bean eyes which is framed by two protruding abstract horns that in some cases are curved down to the end forming a circular design that encases the face. Please note that there are other beautiful variations of this basic design theme. The Ekuk is used during an important Beete festivity that serves to reinforce the unity between the 12 Kwele families that occupy the village. The week long ceremony opened with the departure of all able bodied men into the forest to hunt for antelope. The meat would later be seasoned with special medicines an eaten by all during the closing ceremony. Women and children would stay in the village and prepare for the festivities. After about a day or two simultaneously with the return of the first hunters, the women would start to hang the Ekuk masks outside their dwellings and around the village. The masks announced the commencement of the celebration and to invite all to join in with song and dance!

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Dimensions: 19 inches across x 12 inches long x 3 1/2 inches deep.

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