Punu Funereal Mask

The Punu tribe of Gabon designed many masks with idealized images of their female ancestors. The fine features of this mask draw down to a pointed mouth. The tilted eyes, triangular forehead, and slight ears are all sculptural expressions of the subject's striking beauty. The white paint indicated peacefulness, especially that of a restful afterlife. Those features mark this helmet mask as most likely having been involved in funereal rituals. The stylized facial features and precise geometries combine to create a sculptural object for today's home.