Punu Helmet Mask

The Punu tribe of Gabon designed many masks with idealized images of their female ancestors. Scarified ridges on the crest represent their stylish coiffures, and the fine features their facial beauty. The white paint indicated peacefulness, especially that of a restful afterlife. Those features mark this helmet mask as most likely having been involved in funereal rituals. The organic forms and precise geometries combine to create a sculptural object for today's home.