Title: Punu Okuyi dance mask - Gabon - African Art Tribal ArtItem Category: MaskAlleged Seniority: Mid 20th centuryOrigin: GabonMaterials: WoodDimensions: 12,6 InchWeight: 1,32 PoundsNote: Stand not included. A universal or custom base can be ordered separately.Additional Information: This piece illustrates one of the many headdresses of the white masks of Gabon, itengi , (pl. bitengi). These African masks from Gabon were associated with Gabon's various secret societies, including the Bwiti , Bwete , and the Mwiri ("le"), the latter spanning several levels of initiation, to which belonged to all the Punu men, and whose emblem was the caiman. The punu did not involve any masks in the rituals of the Bwiti, unlike the Tsogo. These powerful secret societies, which also had a judicial function, included several dances, including the leopard dance, the Esomba, the Mukuyi, and the dance of the Okuyi, on stilts, remaining the most widespread. This kaolin-bleached face mask, evoking a deceased woman, was displayed at the dance called Okuyi . Classically styled with shells on which the streaks represent braids, checkerboard scarifications, mabinda , present on the forehead and temples, are tinted, contrasting with the patina of kaolin. According to some authors, these keloid marks are associated with the nine clans that founded the Kongo kingdom.
Reserve: $262.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $59.95 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.Location: This item ships from Belgium
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