Okuyi anthropomorphic mask Punu culture, southern Gabon

Okuyi anthropomorphic mask
Punu culture, South of Gabon
First half of the 20th century
Wood and pigments
H.: 30.5; L.: 18; Thickness: 17 cm

He presents himself with features of apparent tranquility. His oval face is pigmented white – made with kaolin. His coffee bean-shaped eyes are finely incised and enhanced with eyebrow arches highlighted with brown pigmentation. His thin nose has two nostrils, his raised ears are sculpted in the shape of a C and pigmented red, as are his lips, individualized from each other and hemmed.
The shell-shaped hairstyle is pigmented black and incised with fine streaks, reminiscent of the braided hair of the Punus.
A large collar adorns the edge of the mask. It allowed the maintenance of fabric or plant fibers which served to conceal the wearer's body.

This type of mask is called Okuyi – which is also found depending on the region called Mukuyi or Mukudji. It refers to the figures of ancestors.  

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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