Exceptional White Punu Mask with Lizard Headdress - Punu - Gabon
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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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Exceptionnel Masque Blanc Punu à la Coiffe de Lézard from Gabon, a Punu mask in white kaolin with a domed black leopard-skull-like crest, dating to the early 20th century, from the private collection of Georges Parisot, authentic and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
This rare white Punu mask (Okuyi / Mukudj) from Gabon belonged to the former Governor of France in Gabon at the end of the 1930s: Georges Parisot. It is likely a commission or an official gift.
It embodies the apex of the classical aesthetic of the Ngounié valley. Carved from a single block of wood, its oval face is traditionally coated with white kaolin, a sacred color symbolizing the realm of the spirits, purity, and the unbreakable link with idealized feminine ancestors.
The mask is distinguished by very refined volumes: almond-shaped eyes, arched eyebrows sculpted in relief, and lips painted with natural red pigments. The great peculiarity of this piece lies in its domed dark headdress, superbly crowned by a lizard (or gecko) sculpted in high relief at the top. In Central African beliefs, this reptile is a powerful symbol of protection, transition, and clairvoyance between the visible world and the world of spirits.
Region: Ngounié Valley, Gabon.
Exceptional Provenance: Ex-Collection Georges Parisot
This mask comes from the former private collection of Georges Parisot (1885–1959), a major figure of the French colonial administration in Equatorial Africa. (Acquired from his niece and heir).
Entered the colonial administration at a very young age, Georges Parisot had a brilliant career in Central Africa. A keen connoisseur of local cultures and traditional structures, he was appointed Governor-Delegate of Gabon from September 1937 to August 1938."
This rare white Punu mask (Okuyi / Mukudj) from Gabon belonged to the former Governor of France in Gabon at the end of the 1930s: Georges Parisot. It is likely a commission or an official gift.
It embodies the apex of the classical aesthetic of the Ngounié valley. Carved from a single block of wood, its oval face is traditionally coated with white kaolin, a sacred color symbolizing the realm of the spirits, purity, and the unbreakable link with idealized feminine ancestors.
The mask is distinguished by very refined volumes: almond-shaped eyes, arched eyebrows sculpted in relief, and lips painted with natural red pigments. The great peculiarity of this piece lies in its domed dark headdress, superbly crowned by a lizard (or gecko) sculpted in high relief at the top. In Central African beliefs, this reptile is a powerful symbol of protection, transition, and clairvoyance between the visible world and the world of spirits.
Region: Ngounié Valley, Gabon.
Exceptional Provenance: Ex-Collection Georges Parisot
This mask comes from the former private collection of Georges Parisot (1885–1959), a major figure of the French colonial administration in Equatorial Africa. (Acquired from his niece and heir).
Entered the colonial administration at a very young age, Georges Parisot had a brilliant career in Central Africa. A keen connoisseur of local cultures and traditional structures, he was appointed Governor-Delegate of Gabon from September 1937 to August 1938."
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Punu
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Exceptional White Punu Mask with Lizard Headdress
Height
29 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
12 cm
Weight
149 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
