African traditional Punu masks

African ceremonial Punu mask - Gabon

African Punu mask - Gabon
Click on image for larger view

African Ceremonial Punu Masks - Gabon

$99-00

Region: Gabon

Material: Wood

Size: 30cm

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African ceremonial Punu mask - Gabon

Size: 30cm (H) - Mask above

An African hand carved ceremonial Punu mask that originates from Gabon and is said to have an oriental expression. These Punu masks are hand carved out of wood and set in the colors of White and black. African Punu Mask

The Punu masks oriental look strongly indicates that Chinese people traded and lived in Africa for many years before the European settlers arrived. This type of African mask has become so sort after because of it's mystic that they are often found in museums and art collections.

The mask represents the spirit of an ancestor and is commonly found throughout western and central Gabon. The white face represents the soul of an ancestor. The beautiful hairstyle is a common feature among the Punu women. In some cases scarification on foreheads are clearly visible.

Each mask is an "original" work of art, individually hand carved, no two are exactly alike which adds to the value of each piece. The original nature of tribal art will be reflected by variances from the mask as shown, each piece of a specific style is similar, but not identical.

Below we have a selection of other Punu masks carved in the same style as above but with different colours, patterns and colours on the Punu mask. Click on the image for a larger view.