Gabonese Punu Helmet Mask

The Punu people of Gabon are known for skillfully-carved masks that idealize the beauty of female ancestors. The classic Punu mask features pointed hairdos, scarification marks, full lips, and almond-shaped eyes, making this mask unusual for its highly-abstracted quality and depiction of four faces. In keeping with tradition, the faces are painted white with kaolin, a substance associated with healing and the spiritual realm, that may have also provided protection against witchcraft. We’re captivated by the artist’s masterful use of wood - seen in the way the grain enhances the detail of the figure’s hairstyle and invests the piece with organic energy.