This mask was carved in the style of the Punu people of Gabon. The mask has depicts a beautifully carved face with a slightly open mouth expression. It measures 12.5 inches tall and weighs 2 pounds. The mask has imperfections that include cracking on the left side of the face, scrapes and scuffs – please inspect photos. Stand is not included.
Punu Mask 12.5″ – Gabon – African Tribal Art
Original price was: $125.00.$62.50Current price is: $62.50.
1 in stock
Type of Object | Face Mask |
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Country of Origin | Gabon |
Ethnicity | Punu |
Material | wood, pigment, vegetable fiber, fabric, shells |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height (Inches) | 12.5" |
Width (Inches) | 10" |
Depth (Inches) | 8" |
Weight (Pounds) | 2 lbs |
Overall Condition | crack on the left side of the face, imperfections throughout |
Tribe Information
About the Punu People
“The Punu reside on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River and belong to a group of tribes known as Shira which were originally part of the Luango kingdom of Angola with the Eshira, the Lumbo, the Vili, the Galoa and the Vungu people, the Punu migrated northwards during the 18th century and settled where they are now. They live in independent villages divided into clans and families and social cohesion is ensured by a society known as Moukouji, whose primary role is to subjugate harmful forest spirits. During ceremonies related to the society, small statues and masks appear which are often covered in white pigments alluding to their anti-witchcraft functions.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.