Sub-groups of the Punu tribe carved their
masks with stylistic variations - for example, the Njabi people
of the Upper Lola River carved masks with a double coiffure
and a square chin, while the Tsangui people in the Republic
of Congo, adorned their masks with linear face scarifications.
Height/Length: 14 inches Width across face: roughly 8 inches
Age: approximately 25+
years.
Tribal
History: Punu People
The Punu reside on the left bank of the
Upper Ngoume River and belong to a group of tribes known as
Shira which were originally part of the Luango kingdom
of Angola. With the Eshira, the Lumbo, the Vili, the Galoa
and the Vungu people, the Pun migrated northwards during the
18th century and settled where they are now. known as Moukouji,
whose primary role is to subjugate harmful forest spirits.
During ceremonies related to the society, small statues and
masks appear which are often covered in white pigments, alluding
to their witch craft functions.
Availability: Usually
ships in 3-4 business days.
$79.00 USD
*This
item is ONE OF A KIND! Once ordered it is removed from
our inventory listings.
The antique masks in our collection
are all one of a kind, with a circa. of twenty to forty
plus years and once shipped their listings are immediately
taken from our website!
Each shipped art piece (from our
in-house inventory) includes a customized informational
index card, complete with the tribal and regional history
of the piece.
Product descriptions adapted from similar
ones in The
Tribal Arts of Africa written by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart