Punu-lumbo Mask - Gabon
Origin. Gabon
Tribe Name. Bapounou
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 29 cm
Shipping Method. Colissimo within 24–48 business hours.
This Punu-Lumbu (or Punu) mask displays remarkable morphological and artistic characteristics:General Characteristics and MorphologyFace Shape: The face is oval and delicately carved, ending in a pointed chin, typical of the aesthetic of female masks from this ethnic group in Gabon.Patina and polychromy: The face has a light patina, ranging from beige to ochre, while the hairstyle and the sides are covered with a dark patina, ranging from brown to black. Touches of red pigment highlight the lips and the motifs on the forehead.Anatomical Details and OrnamentsThe Eyes: They are depicted as half-closed or slit-like and almond-shaped, suggesting an attitude of contemplation, serenity, or a vision of a spiritual world.The hairstyle: Voluminous and complex, it consists of a wide headdress curved backward, rising above the forehead. It features engraved or braided patterns on the sides.Scarifications:A geometric relief pattern (often diamond- or checkerboard-shaped, evoking the “bakala” or frontal diamond) is carved in the center of the forehead.Thin, arched eyebrows, outlined in black, frame the eyes.The mouth and nose: The nose is straight, slender, and well-defined. The mouth is small, slightly parted or pursed, with lips colored a dark red.Ears: Delicately shaped and positioned on either side of the face.Structure and BackProfile: The side view highlights the pronounced volume of the domed hairstyle as well as the soft contours of the face.Interior: The hollowed-out cavity at the back bears traces of traditional wood-carving tools, attesting to authentic craftsmanship. Perforations are visible along the edges to allow for the attachment of the raffia or fiber costume worn during ritual dances.
Tribe Name. Bapounou
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 29 cm
Shipping Method. Colissimo within 24–48 business hours.
This Punu-Lumbu (or Punu) mask displays remarkable morphological and artistic characteristics:General Characteristics and MorphologyFace Shape: The face is oval and delicately carved, ending in a pointed chin, typical of the aesthetic of female masks from this ethnic group in Gabon.Patina and polychromy: The face has a light patina, ranging from beige to ochre, while the hairstyle and the sides are covered with a dark patina, ranging from brown to black. Touches of red pigment highlight the lips and the motifs on the forehead.Anatomical Details and OrnamentsThe Eyes: They are depicted as half-closed or slit-like and almond-shaped, suggesting an attitude of contemplation, serenity, or a vision of a spiritual world.The hairstyle: Voluminous and complex, it consists of a wide headdress curved backward, rising above the forehead. It features engraved or braided patterns on the sides.Scarifications:A geometric relief pattern (often diamond- or checkerboard-shaped, evoking the “bakala” or frontal diamond) is carved in the center of the forehead.Thin, arched eyebrows, outlined in black, frame the eyes.The mouth and nose: The nose is straight, slender, and well-defined. The mouth is small, slightly parted or pursed, with lips colored a dark red.Ears: Delicately shaped and positioned on either side of the face.Structure and BackProfile: The side view highlights the pronounced volume of the domed hairstyle as well as the soft contours of the face.Interior: The hollowed-out cavity at the back bears traces of traditional wood-carving tools, attesting to authentic craftsmanship. Perforations are visible along the edges to allow for the attachment of the raffia or fiber costume worn during ritual dances.
1 200 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Solid wood
Length: 29 cm
Width: 15 cm
Height: 29 cm
Reference (ID): 1803453
Availability: In stock
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