Punu - Mask from Gabon - Sold
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Georges Vantongerloo - (After) - Framed color etching, Y= - x2 + bx + c red-green – (1933 / 1973)
Starting bid
€250
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Wim Bettenhausen - Framed lithograph: 'Surinamestraat' - 1993
Starting bid
€299
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Carel Willink - Framed lithograph: 'Balance of forces'
Starting bid
€799
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Jan van Munster - Book with pyrography: S series - 1992
Starting bid
€295
Bid 
- Description
- Punu
| Type of artwork | Ethnographic art |
| Period | 1945 to 1999 |
| Technique | Wood |
| Style | African |
| Subject | Mask |
| Dimensions | 34 x 22 x 16 cm (h x w x d) |
| Weight | 514 grams |
Translated with Google Translate. Original text show .
The Punu people, also known as the Bapunu, are an ethnic group from Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. They are known for their distinctive and highly artistic masks, often referred to as Punu masks.
Punu masks are characterized by the following notable features:
1. **White Face**: The face of the mask is usually painted white, symbolizing the spirit world and the afterlife.
2. **High Forehead**: These masks often have a prominent, high forehead, which is considered a sign of beauty and intelligence.
3. **Almond-Shaped Eyes**: The eyes are narrow and almond-shaped, which gives the mask an enigmatic expression.
4. **Intricate Hairstyles**: The masks often depict intricate hairstyles or headdresses, reflecting traditional Punu styles.
5. **Serene Expression**: Despite their sometimes elaborate decorations, Punu masks generally have a calm and serene expression.
These masks are used in various ceremonial contexts, including rituals to honor ancestors, initiation rites and during the "Mukuyi" dance, performed to purify the village and ensure the well-being of the community.
**Product description:** Beautiful Punu mask from Gabon from the second half of the 20th century.
Dimensions (hxwxd): 34x22x16 cm.
The condition: In beautiful condition, minor signs of wear and damage occur.
Weight: 847 grams.
Will be shipped neatly packaged.
For further information, see photos, which are part of the description.
Punu masks are characterized by the following notable features:
1. **White Face**: The face of the mask is usually painted white, symbolizing the spirit world and the afterlife.
2. **High Forehead**: These masks often have a prominent, high forehead, which is considered a sign of beauty and intelligence.
3. **Almond-Shaped Eyes**: The eyes are narrow and almond-shaped, which gives the mask an enigmatic expression.
4. **Intricate Hairstyles**: The masks often depict intricate hairstyles or headdresses, reflecting traditional Punu styles.
5. **Serene Expression**: Despite their sometimes elaborate decorations, Punu masks generally have a calm and serene expression.
These masks are used in various ceremonial contexts, including rituals to honor ancestors, initiation rites and during the "Mukuyi" dance, performed to purify the village and ensure the well-being of the community.
**Product description:** Beautiful Punu mask from Gabon from the second half of the 20th century.
Dimensions (hxwxd): 34x22x16 cm.
The condition: In beautiful condition, minor signs of wear and damage occur.
Weight: 847 grams.
Will be shipped neatly packaged.
For further information, see photos, which are part of the description.
| Condition | |||||||||||
| Condition | Good | ||||||||||
| Shipment | |||||||||||
| Pick up | The work can be picked up on location. As a buyer you must bring your own packaging materials. The location is: Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands | ||||||||||
| Shipment | Parcel post | ||||||||||
| Price | Up to 2 kg.
| ||||||||||
| Guarantee | |||||||||||
| Guarantee | By putting the item up for auction, I agree with the Terms of Guarantee as they are applicable at Kunstveiling regarding the accuracy of the description of the item | ||||||||||
The seller takes full responsibility for this item. Kunstveiling only provides the platform to facilitate this transaction, which has to be settled directly with the seller. More information .
Gabonese