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Mask Punu Okyui- Gabon

Model L888-OD864/16

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Mask Punu Okyui- Gabon

Mask Punu okyui of Gabon. The masks punu okyui are among the most famous pieces of African art. Their faces with serenity-like features that can be reminiscent of Asian aesthetics are covered with kaolin, like other masks in Gabon, such as fangngil masks.

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290,00 €

Mask Punu okyui of Gabon.

The masks punu okyui are among the most famous pieces of African art.

Their faces with serenity-like features that can be reminiscent of Asian aesthetics are covered with kaolin, like other masks in Gabon, such as fangngil masks.
The eyes are always half-closed and globular, reminiscent of the shape of the coffee beans. An imposing headdress also stands on the head and can sometimes be divided into several small chignons.

This type of headdress illustrates the fashionable feminine hairstyles during the nineteenth century in Gabon.
A diamond-shaped keloid scarification adorns the forehead: it is a distinctive sign called "mabinda" which was engraved in the flesh of children, from the age of ten to fourteen years.

White, the color of mourning, establishes a link with the world of spirits and ancestors to which were attributed protective and beneficial virtues. The counterpart of the masqueokuyi is the ikwara mask with black patina, the color of sorcery, referring to occult and evil forces.

The okuyi masks were exhibited during rituals with very ancient origins, during which dancers mounted on stilts were moving in order to invoke the spirit of a deceased with a mask representing a beautiful young woman .

These rituals took place during the funerals of notables, women who gave birth to binoculars or were themselves twins but also on the occasion of the birth of twins.

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Product Informations	Tel: +33(0) 160 440 129 or contact@arteslonga.com
Era	Réalisation Artisanale - Article Vintage
State	Distressed
Style	Ethnic Arts - Tribal Arts
Origins	GAbon - Africa
Delivery	2-3 weeks
International Delivery	2-3 weeks
Dimensions :	19 cm x 30 cm x 16 cm
Weight :	8 kg
Reference :	L888-OD864/16

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Mask Punu Okyui- Gabon

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