A superb 'Punu' tribe mask sourced from the Punu tribe, Gabon. This is a classic example of the Punu Tribe. It is a Face Mask (Okuyi) and is painted in white and blackish brown. Lozenge-shaped scarification marks on the forehaed represent a more recent adornment known as Okuyi or Mukuyi are intended primarily to entertain audiences on festive occasions and funerals. They fulfill a ritual function of officiating at funerals, where they dance as embodiments of the spirits of female and male ancestors. The scarification patterns of 9 dots arranged in a square or diamond have sexual connotation.

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