Where is the Kwele tribe from?
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eastern Gabon
The Kwele people are a tribal group of eastern Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and Cameroons in Central Africa. They fled the coastal area of West Africa during the 19th century, after their traditional enemies acquired firearms from the slave traders. This altercation is often called the “Poupou” war.
What tribe is the Kwele mask from?
Kwele People. “The Kwele tribe live on the northern frontier of the Republic of Congo, and have produced a famous type of mask called Ekuk. It displays a flat surface and often has a whitened heart-shaped face, a triangular nose and coffee bean eyes.
Where is Kwele mask from?
The Kwele are closely linked to the people of the Ogoou River region and its tributaries in northeastern Gabon, beyond present-day Makokou and southwest of their current concentration. These people occupy a great forest region on the borders of Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo where the Pygmies also lived.
What does Kwele mask mean?
Kwele masks represent the antelope whose flesh was eaten at the end of the ‘beete’ ritual. Kwele masks have two large horns which sometimes encircle and frame the face. Areas of the face are often painted with white kaolin clay, the color of the spirits.
Who uses the Kwele mask?
African Kwele mask The Kwele masks represent the spirits of the forest and the bush and are presented during initiation ceremonies and or at the end of a mourning period to promote well-being within a community. The Kwele masks act as intermediaries between the world of the bush and that of the village.
How was the Kwele mask used?
The Kwele are noted for their ceremonial masks which are collected as art objects. The masks are associated with the Beete association, which maintains social order, and are also used in initiation rites and at the end of mourning periods.
How is the Kwele mask used?
The Kwele masks of Gabon are used during initiation ceremonies and or at the end of a mourning period. The masks represent the spirits of the forest.
Do African masks have spirits?
African masks provide a tangible form for invisible spirits, which are personified as human beings, animals, or fantastic composites of both. Spirits—deities, ancestors, and nature spirits (those that inhabit streams, rivers, rocks, and other natural forms)—get involved in the affairs of people, by invitation or not.
Who wears African masks?
dancers
In many African groups, masks are worn by dancers. Masked dancers often participate in ceremonies that include songs and prayers. Different ceremonies honor children’s coming of age, harvests, funerals, and other events. The person who wears the mask knows exactly what he or she must do.
Who would wear African masks?
Why did people wear animal heads?
This characteristic of an animal mask – representing sex to gain power over another – is also used in popular culture such as in films like “Eyes Wide Shut” and “The Shining”.