Punu tribe mask

African ceremonial mask represents an idealized face of a female ancestor. The mask shows aesthetic elements characteristic of the Punu ethnic group: a face covered with white kaolin, almond-shaped, closed eyes, protruding lips with red pigment, and an elaborate high hairstyle with linear engraving. On the forehead and temples there is a plastic scarification in the form of nine diamond points (ichumu).

The mask was used in ritual dances during funerals, memorial ceremonies, or celebrations of the birth of twins. The white color symbolizes the world of spirits, purity, and peace. The mask embodies the return of the spirit of a young girl from the other world back to the living to bring protection, blessings, and harmony between the world of ancestors and contemporaries to the community.

Punu tribe, Gabon, Africa, early 20th century, wood, h. 30 cm