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The Kwele Ekuk Mask is a significant cultural artifact originating from the Gabonese culture of the Kwele people, who reside in the central region of Gabon in West Africa. These masks are renowned for their distinctive features and symbolic meanings within Kwele society. The Ekuk Mask is traditionally carved from wood, displaying a circular or oval shape with a concave face. It is characterized by a central projection that represents the nose and a wide, open mouth, often displaying sharp teeth. The eyes of the mask are typically elongated and rectangular, emphasizing the overall facial expression. The mask is decorated with vibrant colors, including red, white, and black pigments, which hold symbolic significance in Kwele culture. The Kwele Ekuk Mask plays a vital role in various ceremonies and rituals, primarily associated with initiation and coming-of-age ceremonies for young boys. During these events, the masks are worn by initiated elders who impart cultural knowledge and wisdom to the young initiates. The masks are believed to embody ancestral spirits and possess supernatural powers, enabling them to communicate with the spirit realm and bestow blessings and protection upon the community. In Kwele society, the Ekuk Mask serves as a representation of a powerful spirit entity known as "Ekuk." The mask is considered a guardian spirit, serving to ward off evil forces, protect the community, and promote harmony and balance within the social order. The wearer of the mask embodies this spirit and is revered as a conduit between the human and spirit realms. The design elements of the Ekuk Mask hold symbolic meanings within Kwele cosmology. The open mouth signifies the ability to communicate with ancestral spirits and otherworldly beings. The sharp teeth symbolize strength and protection against malevolent forces. The elongated eyes reflect the mask's ability to see beyond the physical realm and into the spiritual realm. Apart from their ceremonial significance, Kwele Ekuk Masks have gained international recognition for their artistic value. The precise carving techniques, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors demonstrate the skill and craftsmanship of the Kwele artisans. These masks have found their way into art galleries and private collections worldwide, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and cultural importance. In recent years, the Kwele Ekuk Mask has become an important symbol of Gabonese cultural identity. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Kwele people, while also fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for Gabonese artistry and craftsmanship. Overall, the Kwele Ekuk Mask stands as a testament to the deep spiritual beliefs, artistic talent, and cultural significance of the Kwele people in Gabon. It continues to be a revered and cherished symbol of their identity and heritage, embodying the ancestral wisdom and spiritual connection of the community.
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Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. Customer Service: We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care! Handling Time: We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours. Returns: We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card. Combining Shipping: You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order. When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request. Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. Newsletter, previews and special offers: Sign up for our newsletter |
