Who wore the PUNU mask?

Among iconic works of African art, the Punu masks are one of the most desirable. Since the beginning of the beginning of the 20th century, collectors, dealers and artists were fascinated by their powerful interiority. These masks were worn by dancers standing on high stilts during funerary ceremonies called mukudja.

When was the PUNU mask made?

This Punu Mask by an unidentified Punu artist was made in the late 19th century in Gabon. It is believed that masks like are carved to resemble a beautiful Punu woman, due to their heart-shaped faces, high cheekbones and overall delicate features.

What are some features of Gabonese masks?

Gabonese Masks Many of these masks are heart-shaped or have elongated facial features, such as the Fang Ngil masks. Often colored to resemble the traditional white…

What is the Lulua mask made out of?

The oldest type has keloids and an encrusted red patina; a later style does not have scarifications, while the most recent type characteristically has simplified features and is made of thicker wood. Sometimes the masks were covered with copper plate and had vegetal-fibre bells attached at the chin.

What is the purpose of the Punu mask?

Punu masks represent idealized female ancestors’ faces. The white color of the mask is genderless; white is a symbol for peace, deities, spirits of the dead, and the afterlife. It is thus the predominating color in funeral celebrations and memorials. Therefore the masks were worn during funerals.

Where is the Punu mask from?

Gabon
A Punu-Lumbo mask is a tribal mask native to the Ogooué River basin in Gabon, especially in the south in Ngounié Province. The masks are extremely valuable to collectors of African art, and have been sold at Sotheby’s for well over $400,000.

What were Punu masks used for?

What are Lulua masks used for?

The Lulua masks representing the spirits are used by masqueraders who perform during circumcision rites in initiation ceremonies.

Where is the Lulua mask from?

the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Lulua, previously called the Bena Lulua, live around the Lulua River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where do Punu people live?

The Punu, groups who live in the south of Gabon, are famous for their typically white masks, known as Okuyi masks with their Asiatic slit eyes (which have nothing to do with Japanese masks).

What are three types of masks created in Africa?

Common types of African masks include face masks, which fit over the front of the wearer’s face; helmet masks, which fit over the entire head; and forehead masks, which work like hats that sit horizontally on top of the head with the wearer’s face covered by fabric.