Teke & Bwa Masks Handbag - African

Handpainted
Teke masks  (2 sides) are worn by members of the Kiduma - a secret society that takes charge of social celebrations and rituals. The Teke people come from the Congo Republics and Gabon. They are well known as traders and the name 'teke' means 'to buy'
 
Bwa masks (middle) are believed to possess special powers which are controlled by those who wear them. The Bwa are a farming community who come from Mali and Burkina Faso. Masks are only made by those who live in the southern parts of their territory.