Kwele (Bakwele)
Bata (ram) mask


Gabon, mid-to-late 20th century
carved and painted wood
12 h x 8 w x 2.5 d in (30 x 20 x 6 cm)

Most Bata masks in museum collections were acquired during the 1970s, with the notable exception of a pre-1930 example recently acquired by the Kimbell Art Museum. The present example displays a varied chalky patina across the bi-colored frontal surfaces and is concave at the reverse, with remnants of reddish earthen residue.

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Good condition. Paint is weathered showing chips, cracking, losses, and discoloration. Wood with small losses and chips.