Punu - African black female mask from the Punu - Gabon. - Vendu

African mask from the Punu, Gabon. 

This finely crafted object depicts female face. Condition look at the photo's the back site is damaged.

Hand carved from a single piece of colorful painted wood, with scar tattoos and artful hairdo.

Height: 28 cm.

Taxatiewaarde: 125 -150 euro

Stand not included. You can buy the professional stand for 29.95 euro

The Punu reside on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River (Gabon) and belong to the 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 in the area where they continue to inhabit to this day. They live in independent villages divided into clans and families, and social cohesion is ensured by a society known as moukouji. Its primary role is to regulate community life with regards to social and judicial matters, and mainly it applies itself to the neutralization of evil forces. To this end, officiates of moukoudji utilize a cult kit that includes statuettes, human relics and masks.