A vintage wooden hand carved mask of the Kwele people from Gabon, Central Africa. This mask is of an anthropozoomorphic type, that is, it combines the features of a human and an animal. Such masks are used during Beete cult ceremonies, and in the initiation of youth among the Kwele people. The mask has a heart shaped face characteristic of these people. The upper part of the mask is red, the lower part is black. The middle of the face is covered with a hanging stylized snake with an open mouth. Provenance: ex Bob Bank MD, USA. Traditional African Wooden Masks And Folk Art Collectibles.