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African Tribal Punu Gabon Mask.
Material; Wood.
Dimension; Height; 160 mm, Width 110 mm.
Weight; 80.1 Gram.

Punu Gabon MaskPunu mask history involves their use in southern Gabon's funeral and social rituals to represent idealized ancestors, a practice that lasted until the 1950s. Called mukudj, okuyi, or mukuyi, the white-faced masks were worn by male dancers on stilts during these performances. While their original purpose was spiritual, the masks are now used for entertainment and as symbols of ethnic identity, showcasing a blend of naturalism with abstract stylistic elements.

    Funeral Rites: Punu masks were historically integral to funeral celebrations and rites of passage, escorting the deceased to the spirit world and commemorating idealized ancestors.
    Community and Morality: They also served to initiate dancers and maintain social order and morality during important community events. 
    Decline of Traditional Use: The use of masks in burial rituals largely ceased around the 1950s. 
    
Names: Known as mukudj, okuyi, or mukuyi, the mask's name varies by region. 
Symbolism: The white kaolin coating symbolized the afterlife and the spirits of the dead. 
Female Representation: The masks often depict idealized, feminine attributes, including hairstyles and scarification patterns fashionable at the time. 

Late 20th century - Wood - Good condition

Punu Gabon Mask  (No Reserve Price)

African & Tribal Art

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15 March

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Object

Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

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Figure

Dance mask

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Country of origin

DR Congo

Mali

Côte d'Ivoire

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Gabon

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Africa

Benin

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Material

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without manual without box

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Period

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Antique

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Acrylic painting

African & Tribal Art

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Punu Gabon Mask (No Reserve Price)

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