The Kwele people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (also known as "Bakwele") practiced a cult known as Beete (Bwete) to ward off the evil machinations of sorcerers, who were held responsible for illness, death, and other inexplicable happenings. The rites were accompanied by various mask types with anthropomorphic or zoomorphic traits that represented benevolent bush spirits. A few of these were painted white to symbolize clairvoyance and circumspection, two essential factors in the fight against evil. Masks with heart-shaped faced belonged in this context. The heart-shaped frame is believed to be highly stylyized horns which come out the top of the head and curve around the face and join at the bottom. Although they were originally interpreted as rams, more recent research suggests that the masks' horns actually alluded to large antelopes or women's hairstyles with long braides of a kind popular in Gabon in the nineteenth century. This mask is a type known as "Ekuk". It has a relatively flat surface, and was typically hung on houses and rarely worn. Its function was to warm up the village atmosphere in order to activate the beneficial forces resident in the Bwete box. -Stephan/Hahner -Bacquart