Punu Mask

Gabon

20th Century

Collected by Naturalist and Philanthropist Ellie Weiss in the 1980’s.

12.5” tall x 9.5” wide x 4” deep.

Hand Carved Dark Wood with White Kaolin inlay.

Headdress is Woven Fiber adorned with Shells. Cicatrization motifs on the forehead and temples.

Such masks were worn by virtuosic male performers of a stilt dance called "mukudj," which involved towering impressively while executing complex choreography and astonishing feats of acrobatics.

The creator of a "mukudj" mask would attempt to capture the likeness of the most beautiful woman in his community. 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 into a transcendent being.

Great Earth LLC

Carbondale, Colorado

Representing the Eli Weiss Collection of African Art.  

A lifetime of travel, passion, activism, philanthropy and genuine humanity lead to the accumulation of these wonderful objects spanning a great breadth of the African continent. 

A vast collection of Significant works of Art & vintage ‘Of Culture’ craft works produced for collectors.

Steven is an Artist, Educator and Dealer with an excellent reputation and 25 years of professional experience.

I am proud to share this extraordinary group of Artworks.

 Please message me with any concerns or questions.