Fine Punu Ancestor Spirit Mask, Gabon.

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Fine Punu Ancestor Spirit Mask, Gabon.:
$139.00

The Punu people reside along the upper Ngoumie River pertaining to a tribe known as the Shira. This Punu mask represents the spirit of an ancestor and as well represents the idealized beauty of Punu women, commonly found throughout western and central Gabon. They are portrayed with their traditional high domed coiffure with two sided braids, protruding lips, arched eyebrows, narrow eyes, closed mouth and diamond shaped scarification marks found on the forehead. Typically they are layered in white Kaolin clay to represent the spirits of dead ancestors during funerals, similarly to the practice of Yoruba Eggungun ritual ceremonies. The seldom seen and rare black face Punu masks represents angry spirits and is linked to a judiciary process such as searching for witches or an inquiry into a crime. Punu white painted masks are nowadays used to entertain audiences during festivals or celebrations. On rare occasions the masks are used during a ritual function. During these rituals masqueraders dance and they embody the spirits of male and female ancestors. These masks as typically in many societies of Africa are strictly carved and danced by men. Some masks have a natural wood color and are believed to have a judiciary function, and is used by chiefs to consult with the ancestors to find solutions to problems.

Measurements: 13\" at lengthby 8\" at class=\"MsoNormal\">

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