African
Masks
Punu
Mask
Punu
masks represent the idealised beauty of Punu women, and
should only be carved by Punu men.
They
are portrayed with their traditional high-domed hairstyle,
diamond- shaped scarification marks on their forehead
and they often have eyes that display Oriental characteristics.
The
elaborate Punu hairstyles suggest that the wearer is wealthy
as her hair has not been flattened by the need to carry
goods.
Sometimes
Punu masks are painted white with kaolin clay to represent
the spirits of dead ancestors during funerals.
Since
the 18th century, the Punu have lived on the left bank
of the Upper Ngoume River in Gabon. They are one of a
group of tribes known as the Shira.
Mouse
over the map for a more detailed view of Punu territory.
Punu
Mask Drawing
You
can click on the sketch above to view a simplified A4
line drawing
which you may use to help you draw or trace this mask
design. |
