Vintage African Punu Okuyi Society Wood "Maiden Spirit" Mask from Gabon - 14"

Description

Offered for sale is an old vintage (mid - 20th century or earlier) Punu tribal carved wood and pigment  "maiden spirit" mask from Gabon, Africa. The masks are worn by costumed men wearing stilts during Okuyi Society initiation rites and other ceremonies. The Punu are a matrilineal society and the masks represent female ancestor spirits as well as the Punu ideal of female beauty.  With their Asian characteristics and elaborate hairstyles they have been compared to Japanese Noh masks. The mask in in good vintage condition with wear and imperfections consistent with age and use - minor insect damage, and  2-3 minor repairs that do not at all distract from the beauty of the piece (see photos). Due to age the mask has acquired a smooth darker patina. It measures 14" high, 9" wide, and 7" in depth.