Punu - 2 Old Tribal used African Punu mask with 2 stands - Gabon - Verkocht

Old Tribal used Finely crafted African Punu mask, Gabon

Hand carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments. This finely crafted object depicts female face. 

Hand carved from a single piece of colorful painted wood, with scar tattoos and artful hairdo.

Heights: 30  cm masks and total 54 cm high including the stand.

The professional standard is included in the auction. 

Taxatiewaarde; 375- 425 euro

TThe Punu reside on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River (Gabon) and belong to the group of tribes known as Shira which were originally part of the Luango kingdom of Angola. With the Eshira, the Lumbo, the Vili, the Galoa, and the Vungu people, the Punu migrated northwards during the 18th century and settled in the area where they continue to inhabit to this day. They live in independent villages divided into clans and families, and social cohesion is ensured by a society known as moukouji. Its primary role is to regulate community life with regards to social and judicial matters, and mainly it applies itself to the neutralization of evil forces. To this end, officiates of moukoudji utilize a cult kit that includes statuettes, human relics and masks.