An important polychrome bwiti initiation mask, with large arches, a rounded forehead, and twelve pyrographed pastilles on each cheek. Its size and volume are reminiscent of the large Fang dance mask called bikereu. For a Fang bikereu mask, see : Art ancestral du Gabon, Éd. Nathan and Musée Barbier-Mueller, 1985, p. 172 and 173. Photo taken in the village on the day of its acquisition by Jacques Viault. Benjabi, Gabon Wood, polychromy, old oxidation, patina of use. H. 36 cm Provenance : Jacques Viault Collection.