This mask was carved in the style of the Punu people of Gabon. The mask has an unusual appearance with long rabbit like ears. It measures 17.5 inches tall, 22 inches including raffia. There is some chipping to the lips, ears and rim. General cracking, scuffing and wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos carefully. Stand not included.
Unusual One-of-a-Kind Punu Mask 22″ – Gabon – African Art
$275.00
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| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Gabon |
| Ethnicity | Punu |
| Material | Wood, pigment and vegetable fiber |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 17.5" mask | 22" including raffia |
| Width (Inches) | 13" |
| Depth (Inches) | 7.5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 4 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Chipped lips, ears and rim. Cracking and wear and tear |
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.