20th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask - Mar 02, 2017 | Artemis Gallery In Co
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20th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask

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20th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask
20th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask
Item Details
Description
Africa, Gabon, Punu, likely Njabi people of Upper Lola River, ca. early 20th century CE. A magnificent white faced Punu mask believed to represent the visage of an ancestor. These are traditionally worn by a Moukouji initiate who stands tall upon stilts during a funeral ceremony. This example displays the chief characteristics of Punu masks, namely a somewhat naturalistic, white painted face with protruding full lips, protruding globular eyes that are also incised with a curve to delineate the lids, a T-shaped nose, a high domed forehead, a grand crested topknot coiffure that demonstrates the Punu women's style, and raised scarifications between the brows and on the cheeks before the earlobes. This example, because of its squarish chin may come from the Njabi peoples of the Upper Lola River. Perforated around back periphery. Hole at the top from the core of the wood falling away. Size: 6" L x 7.25" W x 12.25" H (15.2 cm x 18.4 cm x 31.1 cm)

Similar examples have sold at Sotheby's for between S200,000 and S400,000. Follow these links for comparables:
http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/african-oceanic-and-precolumbian-art-n08749/lot.258.html
http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/arts-afrique-oceanie-pf1418/lot.94.html

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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#113233
Condition
Expected surface wear with crackilure to pigment as shown.
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20th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask

Estimate $1,000 - $1,500
See Sold Price
Starting Price $500
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Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

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