The Kwele people are found in the Eastern parts of Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in Central Africa. Kwele people left the coastal area of West Africa during the 19th century, after their enemies acquired firearms from the slave traders. The Kwele then settled into lands between the Dja and Ivindo rivers. The Kwele are noted for their ceremonial masks. The Kwele masks originate from the rain forests of Gabon on the western coast of Africa and are hand carved by the Bwete association. Most ‘ekuk’ (things of the forest) masks bore prominent animal attributes, including the bata, or ram, mask, which was characterized by horns curved around the face. The Kwele masks represent the spirits of the forest and the bush and are presented during initiation ceremonies and or at the end of a mourning period to promote well-being within a community. The Kwele masks act as intermediaries between the world of the bush and that of the village. These Kwele masks have human features and animal features such as antelopes (horns which always point downwards), male gorillas (the crest across the skull, the visor-shaped brow) and perhaps from a mythical animal. Kwele masks have two large horns which sometimes encircle and frame the face. The face of the masks are normally painted with white kaolin, the white represents the spirit world (peace and tranquility). Maskers do not wear Kwele masks during ceremonies; instead they are shown to the audience.