Kwele Standing Figure, Gabon , custom stand Start Price USD 490.00 Current Price USD 490.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, September 30, 2008 End Time Thursday, October 30, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about ' Kwele Standing Figure, Gabon , custom stand' Description Kwele Standing Figure, Gabon Type of Object: Figure Ethnic Group: Kwele Country of Origin: Gabon, Cameroon, or southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo. Materials: Wood, Pigment, vegetal material Approximate Age: 20th century Dimensions: 23 inches with stand Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: old repairs in the left arm, cracks in the base, old chips in places Additional Information: This is a rare and well done standing horned figure with raised arms, carved in a single piece of wood. The concave face and its features are reminiscent of the Kwere masks. This figure is one of the rare Kwele figures known.The Kwele live in Eastern Gabon. They are neighbors of the Fang, Kota, and Mahongwe peoples. They are known because of their masks with heart shaped outer rim, and kaolin white pigment on the face. These masks were used in initiation ceremonies into the Bwete cult. Kwele people have produced figures, although a few of them have reached western museums and collections. Little is known about the use and function of this figure. This piece was probably used to honor and worship the ancestors in order to get the beneficial forces from them. The use of white and red pigments related this piece to the invisible world of the spirits and the ancestors. According to some sources, the Kwele have produced carved reliquary figures. This figure may have also served as a reliquary figure. The meaning of the Kwele gesture of raised arms is not known. This gesture may be linked with the function of this statues. This figure still remains a very interested piece with a lot of presence and will stand well in any collection. Description written by Niangi Batulukisi, Ph.D.**032242** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!