Kwele Mask 2

Kwele (Bakwele) Gabon. Wood. Pigments.
Height 10"

This masterfully carved mask showcases three pairs of eyes, even though only one pair has slits. But even with the six eyes, the mask's face is wonderfully balanced and harmonious, as if having three (3) pairs of eyes is a natural occurrence. And again, the hint of the possibility for additional clairvoyance (by having 3 pairs of eyes!) would have been of most importance to old Kwele people.
Said to embody the Etuk forest spirit and was used in initiation ceremonies or in funeral rituals.