Punu Mask

Carved from a single wood block, the face is defined by slit-cut eyes with open apertures, a slender nose, and a small closed mouth. Incised ornament is concentrated across the forehead, temples, and cheeks, comprising curvilinear incision, cross-hatched elements, and raised linear ridges framing the brow. An animal figure formed in cotton thread is positioned above the brow. Corresponding cotton-thread elements define the eyebrows and extend beneath the eyes. A bifurcated coiffure rises above the crown in two vertical elements with parallel grooved incision. A projecting flanged element with diagonal incised ridges extends along each side beneath the coiffure. A rounded ribbed volume projects at the rear. A fibre fringe is inserted directly into the wood along the lower perimeter of the mask.

Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across the facial plane, with exposure at raised elements.

Among the Punu, masks of this type are used within performances associated with the okuyi.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast during the tribal art festivals, 1971.

Title

Punu Mask

Culture

Punu

Origin

Gabon

Date

20th century

Dimensions

H 35 cm (13.8 in) · W 24 cm (9.4 in)

Medium

Wood, fibre, cotton

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast during the tribal art festivals, 1971.