Okuyi Mask (#2) - Punu People - Gabon - SOLD

Price: $0.00


 


THESE EQUATORIAL FOREST PEOPLES LIVE ALONG THE OGOWE & NGOUNIE RIVER REGION OF SOUTHWEST GABON. THE HAIRSTYLES OF THE OKUYI MASKS RECALL THE WAY THE WOMEN DID THEIR HAIR. THE DIAMOND SHAPED SCARIFICATION PATTERN IS ALSO TYPICAL OF PUNU PRACTICES. THE DANCERS WALK ON STILTS, HIDDEN BENEATH A MASS OF CLOTH. ALTHOUGH THE FEATURES ARE THE PUNU IDEALS OF FEMALE BEAUTY, WHITE IS THE COLOR OF DEATH. WORN BY MEN, THE MASK REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF A DEAD PERSON RETURNED FROM THE LAND OF THE DEAD, AND APPEARS CHIEFLY DURING MOURNING CEREMONIES.

9.5"H x 6"W x 5"D

NOTE: When displayed on the included stand, this mask reaches a height of 12.5"