Initiation mask – Wood – Punu – Gabon

Authentic wooden initiation mask from the PUNU tribe, Gabon.
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 face with protruding pursed lips, T-shaped nose, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve and a 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.
Good condition with a beautiful aged patina of age.