Face mask with curved horns
Daniel Hourdé, Paris, France
Description
wood, black paint, kaolin, of rhombic flat form, the facial plane deepened with the features arranged on a rather small area, the horns surrounding the face in flat bows, the contrast of black and white accentuates the bending of the lines and gives plasticity to the mask, rest. (left horn);
the rare masks of the Kwele are connected with the “bwete” society, which should ward off sorcery. In most cases their faces are whitened with kaolin, a colour which is associated with light and articulateness, the two most essential criteria in the fight against evil spirits. The masks, which represent protective spirits of the forrest, perform at initiation rites and at the end of mourning periods. In literature they are interpreted as depictions of antelope (Perrois) or ram (Siroto). Presumably they were not worn, but just presented during the festivities.