The Kwele (or Bakwele) are a small tribe in northeast Gabon, across the border with Kongo and Cameroon. Their masks often display similarities to those of their more numerous neighbours, the Fang. For instance, masks with multiple faces, such as the present one, are called ‘Ngontang’ among the Fang and ‘Ngontangang’ among the Kwele people. Both terms mean ‘young, white woman’. This mask type is believed to protect against witchcraft. The present, large, rare helmet mask of the Kwele is carved in very hard, light brown wood. It features four identical faces on the external side of the tall cylindrical helmet. The high forehead of these oblong faces displays typical tribal decorative scarification marks along the central axis and with symmetrical patterns in the upper section. The high eyebrow arches and the nasal bridge have small holes. Under the eyebrows all four faces show a slight concavity in the shape of a heart. The almond-shaped slit eyes are not pierced! The masked dancer sees through the holes drilled in groups of six under each eye. All four faces as well as the intermediate triangles connecting them are coloured in white by means of kaolin.
The hairstyle of the mask, consisting of two central, tall semicircular crests flanked by two smaller ones, is dyed black, just like all the other external surfaces of the helmet mask. Holes for fastening the mask costume are visible at the lower edge, surmounted by an all-round band décor carved in rhomb shapes. Additionally, the lower section of this heavy mask features four symmetrical holes, in which ‘bite bars’ for the dancers can be inserted, if necessary.
Overall a highly impressive old object with very good usage patina on the outside and especially on the inside. With minor age-related damage: several fastening eyelets at the lower edge are ‘ripped’ as a result of protracted use, the edges are chipped and with a few minor losses, the colour scuffed. Very rare! 
First half of the 20th century; H: 58 cm, DM: 29.5 cm (the base of the ‘helmet’). (ME) 

Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.