Dimensions: H:8.7" W:8.3" L:1.6" Weight: 0.8 lbs.
Teke Mask from The Republic of Congo - The Teke masks originate in the Republic of Congo's Upper Ogowe Region from the Bateke tribe. Teke masks are most used at weddings, funerals, and the initiation of young men into adulthood. On a social and political level, the mask is also used to identify the social structure of a tribe or family.
About the Tribe
The Bateke or Teke people are the oldest of the Bantu tribes in Republic of the Congo. Like the Kongo people, the Teke are made up of people from different countries in central Africa including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. They occupy the territory directly north of the Bakongo, stretching quite far to the north and northwest. Their numbers are greatest towards the south.