Gabon, Cameroon, Republic of Congo
Kwele

Wood, Raffia, Kaolin Paste
Early to Mid-20th Century

Height: 53 cm / Length: 29 cm / Width: 30 cm
Idiophone – Struck Directly

This Kwele balophon depicts the “ekuk” mask in the front and a figure on the back that is holding the sound board. The word “ekuk” means “forest spirit and children of Beete.” Here, the Kwele heart shape mask is formed by both the face and the downward-curving horns. The white on the mask is obtained with kaolin paste. The instrument is hand carved from dense heavy wood with color pigments and is shown with raffia fibers. It is carried in front of the stomach and attached to the neck by string and is played with two wooden bats. This instrument shows usage traces and drying cracks. The Bwete society dancers, may have worn it as they danced to protect the tribe from the sorcerers who were held accountable for bringing illnesses, death, and accidents to the tribe.