A figure of the Kwele people (also known as Bakwele), who live in the corner of the three lands, between Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. Masks of the Kwele are well-known and are relatively common. Figures, on the other hand, are very rare. The standing, male ‘sculpture’ is carved in light-coloured, lightweight wood. It displays a typical Kwele face, as we known it from the masks: with heart-shaped border, slit and accentuated eyes, as well as with a wide, triangular nose. The lower end of the face features a small incised mouth. These significant areas of the face - border, eyes, and nose - are coloured black. Otherwise the head, the rest of the face, and the body are coloured in white by means of kaolin, and most of the white has rubbed off due to age. The figure has a short neck, the stomach is emphasised, the arms are freely carved, and the hands lie on the hips. The angular legs and feet stand, slightly bent, with legs apart and firmly on the ground. An interesting figure, with shiny usage patina and minor, age-related damage: colour scuffing, cracks on the head at the top and near the mouth, as well as an old break on the left leg at the rear and at the side. H: 37 cm.First half to mid-20th century. (ME)

Provenance: According to information from the consignor, purchased in 1973 ‘in situ’ in a village in the border region between Cameroon and Gabon. Since then: Austrian Private Collection.