| Artwork Title | Punu Beauty Ceremonial Mask |
| Medium | Wood and Copper |
| Dimensions | 39cm high |
This particular African mask
indicates the beauty of a woman of the Punu tribe of Gabon in West Africa, whose
tradition says that it may only be crafted by a male of the tribe. In addition
to the usual embellishments, this mask also carries a tracery of copper - very
much a latter day embellishment. Also, sometimes these masks are painted in
white clay to honor ancestors. This mask has stylised hair, piled high as a
statement that this lady has never undertaken manual work and that her head
therefore has never been oppressed with the weight of a heavy urden. Lastly, the mask was
acquired from a travelling African trader.
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