SKU: 13260733430

Punu Maiden Mask Ikwara, Gabon #103

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Description

Punu Maiden Mask Ikwara, Gabon #103Punu Maiden Mask Ikwara, Gabon #103 Measurements: 11" high x 5. 25" wide The top "crown" above the beautifully carved face would have had human hair gently tacked into the surface to intensify the "humanity" of this Mask. High weathered but traces of red, black and white Ritually applied before the Mask's last Ceremonial use still remain. Circa 19409 50's Black Punu Masks are Rare: While most are white in pigmentation painting, black colored Punu

  • Punu Maiden Mask Ikwara, Gabon #103
  • Measurements: 11" high x 5.25" wide
  • The top "crown" above the beautifully carved face would have had human hair gently tacked into the surface to intensify the "humanity" of this Mask.
  • High weathered but traces of red, black and white Ritually applied before the Mask's last Ceremonial use still remain.
  • Circa 19409-50's
  • Black Punu Masks are Rare: While most are white in pigmentation/ painting, black-colored Punu Masks (Ikwaras) exist, generally representing Judicial or Protective Functions during Illnesses or Witchcraft-related Issues.

  • Black Punu masks were believed linked to a Judiciary Process such as searching for Witches, an Enquiry into a Crime, or a Trial by Poison.

  • According to Louis Perrois, the category "masks with black painted faces" make up about 8% of the corpus of the Punu Masks. The black-faced Masks represent Angry Spirits, and are therefore considered potentially dangerous to handle them. According to Perrois (1979: 235) black patina on Punu masks is presumably an index of its more serious or darker role in Judiciary Services, potentially Condemning the Living, whereas Punu Masks layered in white kaolin are used in Celebrations and Funerary Ceremonies.

  • Punu Masks from Gabon, known as Mukudj (Mukudji or Mukuyi—the names of the Ceremonies at which they appear and the Stilt Dances associated with them), represent an Idealized Female Ancestor, symbolizing beauty, serenity, and the Spirit World. White kaolin-covered faces signify the Afterlife, and Ancestral Wisdom. Worn by male stilt-dancers, these Masks mediate between the Living and Dead, often in Funeral or Celebratory contexts.

  • Key Symbolism and Meaning of Punu Masks
    Idealized Female Ancestor: Representing the "Most Beautiful Women", these Masks feature high-domed foreheads, elaborate coiffures, and diamond-shaped scarification (lozenge-shaped) on the forehead/ temples.
    White Kaolin Clay: The white pigment, derived from local riverbeds, symbolizes Peace, the Afterlife and Spirits of the Dead.
    Serenity and Inner Vision: The eyes are usually half-closed, reflecting Meditation, Inner Peace, and a connection to the Spiritual Realm.

  • Cultural Identity: Today, these Masks are recognized as a key emblem of Punu Identity and were sometimes displayed in Villages for their Cultural Significance.
    The masks typically feature a heart-shaped face with a small, pointed chin and are crafted from wood, often accompanied by elaborate costumes of fiber or raffia.

  • The creator of a "Mukudj" Mask would attempt to capture the likeness of the most beautiful woman in his Community. The Subject of this particular idealized and stylized portrait was embellished in classic nineteenth-century fashion with a coiffure composed of a central lobe and two lateral tresses and with cicatrization motifs on the forehead and temples. Kaolin taken from riverbeds, which was associated with healing and with a Spiritual, Ancestral Realm of Existence, was applied to the surface of the face. By using this material, the Artist both celebrated the Beauty of a Mortal Woman and transformed her likeness into a Transcendent Being.

  • Punu Masks were only worn by male members of the Mwiri society, who dance on tall stilts on the occasion of Celebrations marking the end of Mourning, and more generally at important social events in the life of a Community. Their joyful, acrobatic walkabout performances are reminiscent of their former role as initiators and guarantors of social order, the cleanliness of community spaces, and even the moral behavior of the inhabitants.

  • Origin is Gabon

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SKU: 13260733430

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GrannieLSU
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Just what I needed
Color: Black A4 L-1Pc
Built good! Very nice looking
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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026
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This is very very very small and honestly not worth the money ! I should have returned it but it but was not able to at the time!do not waste your money on this product!!!
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great item
Size: 9" x 6.2" x 2.2", Color: Grey (Silver)
Very luxe looking and sturdy /great quality appearance and beautiful color and design
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026
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Amazon Customer
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Elegant tray
Size: 9" x 6.2" x 2.2", Color: Khaki Green
Nice tray. The green is a very dull brownish green, nice if you’re looking for something classic. Perfect to hold my partners few colognes and watch.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2026
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Cindy stephens
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality
Size: 9" x 6.2" x 2.2", Color: Black (Gold)
Quality is very good and it fit perfectly for my husband's phone, wallet, etc. Bought another one for his dresser to hold his colognes.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
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Emma In MN
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Great easy storage that looks nice
Size: 9" x 6.2" x 2.2", Color: Black (Gold)
Great catch-all bin for wallet, keys, etc.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026

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