Pounou's Mask of Justice - Gabon
03
days
11
hours
02
minutes
26
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Masque de justice pounou, a 29 cm high wooden mask from Gabon of the Bapunou (Punu) tradition, dating to the late 20th century and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin: Gabon.
Tribe name: Bapunou
Material: Wood
Dimension: 29 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
The mask presented is a traditional Punu mask, characterized by a stylized and refined aesthetic.
Color: Unlike classic Punu masks, often known for their white patina (kaolin), this one features a dark, almost black surface.
Hairstyle: The mask is crowned with a complex coiffure consisting of three prominent vertical crests. These elements are carved with a striped texture, reminiscent of the elaborated traditional hairstyles of Punu women.
Face: The facial features are fine and serene. The eyes are represented by half-closed slits in the shape of a coffee bean, characteristic of the Punu style, which often evokes an ideal of beauty and calm.
Facial details: The nose is delicately sculpted, and the mouth is small, slightly raised. Engraved lines, which may represent traditional scarifications, are visible on the cheekbones, adding to the object's refinement.
Overall form: The face has an oval, balanced shape, underscored by stylized ears on the sides. The whole conveys an impression of dignity and technical mastery typical of the statuary of this Gabonese ethnic group.
Origin: Gabon.
Tribe name: Bapunou
Material: Wood
Dimension: 29 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
The mask presented is a traditional Punu mask, characterized by a stylized and refined aesthetic.
Color: Unlike classic Punu masks, often known for their white patina (kaolin), this one features a dark, almost black surface.
Hairstyle: The mask is crowned with a complex coiffure consisting of three prominent vertical crests. These elements are carved with a striped texture, reminiscent of the elaborated traditional hairstyles of Punu women.
Face: The facial features are fine and serene. The eyes are represented by half-closed slits in the shape of a coffee bean, characteristic of the Punu style, which often evokes an ideal of beauty and calm.
Facial details: The nose is delicately sculpted, and the mouth is small, slightly raised. Engraved lines, which may represent traditional scarifications, are visible on the cheekbones, adding to the object's refinement.
Overall form: The face has an oval, balanced shape, underscored by stylized ears on the sides. The whole conveys an impression of dignity and technical mastery typical of the statuary of this Gabonese ethnic group.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Pounou's Mask of Justice
Height
29 cm
Sold by
