African Punu spirit maiden mask
African Punu spirit maiden
Date: 19th–20th century
Geography: Gabon central Africa
Culture: Punu peoples
Dimensions: 28cm L x 18cm W x 10cm D.
Weight: 515g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age pigment is worn in places and some pin size holes.
The "Punu" or "Pounou" masks originate from the Punu people of Gabon, Central Africa. These masks are highly regarded for their beauty and craftsmanship, the most iconic feature being its facial features with a high forehead, downcast eyes, refined nose, and subtle mouth often representing idealised feminine beauty and commonly referred to as "maiden masks."
Typically carved from wood and painted with kaolin, a white clay symbolising their spirits and ancestors, they are used in various ceremonies and rituals, including funerals, celebrations, and initiations. The Punu masks are believed to embody spirits, connecting the living with the spiritual realm and honouring ancestors.
The elegant craftsmanship and serene expressions of Punu maiden masks have made them sought after not only for their cultural significance but also for their artistic beauty.
African Punu spirit maiden
Date: 19th–20th century
Geography: Gabon central Africa
Culture: Punu peoples
Dimensions: 28cm L x 18cm W x 10cm D.
Weight: 515g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age pigment is worn in places and some pin size holes.
The "Punu" or "Pounou" masks originate from the Punu people of Gabon, Central Africa. These masks are highly regarded for their beauty and craftsmanship, the most iconic feature being its facial features with a high forehead, downcast eyes, refined nose, and subtle mouth often representing idealised feminine beauty and commonly referred to as "maiden masks."
Typically carved from wood and painted with kaolin, a white clay symbolising their spirits and ancestors, they are used in various ceremonies and rituals, including funerals, celebrations, and initiations. The Punu masks are believed to embody spirits, connecting the living with the spiritual realm and honouring ancestors.
The elegant craftsmanship and serene expressions of Punu maiden masks have made them sought after not only for their cultural significance but also for their artistic beauty.
African Punu spirit maiden
Date: 19th–20th century
Geography: Gabon central Africa
Culture: Punu peoples
Dimensions: 28cm L x 18cm W x 10cm D.
Weight: 515g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age pigment is worn in places and some pin size holes.
The "Punu" or "Pounou" masks originate from the Punu people of Gabon, Central Africa. These masks are highly regarded for their beauty and craftsmanship, the most iconic feature being its facial features with a high forehead, downcast eyes, refined nose, and subtle mouth often representing idealised feminine beauty and commonly referred to as "maiden masks."
Typically carved from wood and painted with kaolin, a white clay symbolising their spirits and ancestors, they are used in various ceremonies and rituals, including funerals, celebrations, and initiations. The Punu masks are believed to embody spirits, connecting the living with the spiritual realm and honouring ancestors.
The elegant craftsmanship and serene expressions of Punu maiden masks have made them sought after not only for their cultural significance but also for their artistic beauty.