Kwese (Bakwese), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Initiation Mask. The 40,000 Kwese people live in the Kwango River region. A triumvirate of chiefs governs the everyday lives of the Kwese, while territorial and village chiefs organize the farming of millet, corn and manioc. Kwese masks have a heart-shaped face and, when not worn by dancers during initiation and circumcision rites, were kept in “fetish houses” where offerings were made to them. 

Material: wood

Size: H. 12 ½”, W. 8”, D. 5”

Price: $170 + $27 (S&H)                           [#E9K9M788]