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Hand Tribal Punu Mask - Gabon
Size: 40cm
These beautiful handcrafted Punu masks are commonly found throughout western and central Gabon. The white face represents the soul of an ancestor and in most Punu masks there will be an elaborate forehead and headdress. In some cases scarification on foreheads are clearly visible.
This style of Punu mask is nowadays used to entertain tribal members during festivals or celebrations. On rare occasions the masks are used during ritual ceremonies. During these rituals, masqueraders dance and they embody the spirits of male and female ancestors.
Typical of these types of masks are the female face. In some cases red dots are situated on the forehead and upper cheeks. Other common features are a pointed nose, protruding lips; arched eyebrows narrow eyes and closed mouth.
These Punu masks are hand carved out of wood and the Punu masks oriental look strongly indicates that Chinese people traded and lived in Africa for many years before the European settlers arrived.
