Helmet mask – Wood – Punu – Gabon

Impressive wooden helmet mask from the Punu tribe of Gabon. The rare mask has in total 4 detailed faces.

PUNU masks are thought to represent ancestors` faces. They are worn during funerals and by a Moukouji initiate who stands on stilts. This masks has a realistic, white face with protruding pursed lips, T-shaped nose, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve, high-dome forehead and characteristic ridged high coiffure, which reflect the PUNU women`s style.
This mask has raised lozenge scarifications on the forehead, which are thought to be associated either with a female ancestor, or with a southern sub-group of the PUNU tribe.

The mask is in good condition with beautiful aged patina.