Punu-pounou Mask From Gabon
Origin. Gabon
Tribe Name. Bapounou
Material. Wood
Dimensions. H 28 cm. W 18 cm
Shipping Method. Colissimo/DHL within 24–48 business hours.
This magnificent Pounou (or Punu) mask from Gabon beautifully illustrates the traditional aesthetic ideals of Gabonese art.Morphological and Stylistic DescriptionFace and Overall Shape: The mask has an oval shape with harmonious contours. The face is characterized by a typical refinement and serenity, often associated with the representation of an ancestral spirit or an ideal of feminine beauty.The headdress: The top is crowned by a voluminous, structured headdress, sculpted in relief in the form of a prominent central bun, complemented by braids or geometrically sculpted side lobes.The eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped and half-closed, emphasized by sharply defined eyelids, giving the gaze an introspective, calm, and serene expression.The nose and mouth: The nose is straight and slender, blending delicately into arched, upward-sloping brow ridges. The mouth is small, with full, delicately defined lips.Polychromy and patina:The forehead and temples feature an application of kaolin (a white pigment), a symbol of purity and the spiritual world.The lower part of the face and the lower areas have a dark, brown-to-black patina, reflecting the piece’s age and the wear of the wood.There are also signs of wear, a patina from handling, and natural craquelure that underscore the piece’s authenticity.The back of the mask: The interior (hollowed-out section) shows traces of hollowing out using traditional tools, as well as perforations along the side edges that were once used to attach costume elements (fiber veil, adornments!).
Formerly in the collection of Galerie Michel Huguenin
Tribe Name. Bapounou
Material. Wood
Dimensions. H 28 cm. W 18 cm
Shipping Method. Colissimo/DHL within 24–48 business hours.
This magnificent Pounou (or Punu) mask from Gabon beautifully illustrates the traditional aesthetic ideals of Gabonese art.Morphological and Stylistic DescriptionFace and Overall Shape: The mask has an oval shape with harmonious contours. The face is characterized by a typical refinement and serenity, often associated with the representation of an ancestral spirit or an ideal of feminine beauty.The headdress: The top is crowned by a voluminous, structured headdress, sculpted in relief in the form of a prominent central bun, complemented by braids or geometrically sculpted side lobes.The eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped and half-closed, emphasized by sharply defined eyelids, giving the gaze an introspective, calm, and serene expression.The nose and mouth: The nose is straight and slender, blending delicately into arched, upward-sloping brow ridges. The mouth is small, with full, delicately defined lips.Polychromy and patina:The forehead and temples feature an application of kaolin (a white pigment), a symbol of purity and the spiritual world.The lower part of the face and the lower areas have a dark, brown-to-black patina, reflecting the piece’s age and the wear of the wood.There are also signs of wear, a patina from handling, and natural craquelure that underscore the piece’s authenticity.The back of the mask: The interior (hollowed-out section) shows traces of hollowing out using traditional tools, as well as perforations along the side edges that were once used to attach costume elements (fiber veil, adornments!).
Formerly in the collection of Galerie Michel Huguenin
1 400 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Solid wood
Length: 28 cm
Width: 18 cm
Height: 28 cm
Reference (ID): 1807676
Availability: In stock
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