We are not exactly sure as to the origins of this statue but believe it was inspired by the Punu people of Gabon. The statue depicts a female figure with scarification on her face and body. She is wearing a tattered skirt made of fabric. She measures 21 inches tall and weighs 3.5 pounds. There is a lot of cracking, scuffing and wear and tear throughout. Please inspect photos carefully.
| Type of Object | Figure, statue |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Gabon |
| Ethnicity | Punu |
| Material | Wood, pigment and fabric |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 21" |
| Width (Inches) | 5" |
| Depth (Inches) | 5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 3.5 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear 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.