{"product_id":"punu-mukudj-white-mask-gabon-carved-wood-with-kaolin-and-cowrie-shells-28-cm","title":"Punu Mukudj White Mask – Gabon, Carved Wood With Kaolin And Cowrie Shells, 28 Cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eA carved wood mask in the Punu (or closely related Lumbo) tradition of Gabon, standing approximately 28 cm tall. The mask presents an idealized female face whitened with kaolin clay, with delicately carved features: arched eyebrows, small closed or half-lidded slit eyes, a straight nose, and full lips. A raised diamond-shaped scarification motif is carved at the center of the forehead. The mask is framed by an elaborate high coiffure with fine parallel ridge carving and side lobes, bordered along the hairline and temples with a decorative band of cowrie shells, with additional shell and cord tassel elements hanging at the sides. The reverse is hollowed for wear, with fiber\/cord attachment remnants visible around the rim.\u003cbr\u003ePunu white masks, known as mukudj or associated with okuyi masquerade performances, are traditionally danced by male performers on stilts during celebratory and funerary ceremonies. The pale, serene female face is thought to represent an idealized ancestress or spirit, with the whitened surface associated with the spirit world and the afterlife. These masks are among the most iconic and widely recognized forms in West-Central African art.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this piece:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthnic group: Punu\/Lumbo peoples, Gabon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Carved wood, kaolin (white pigment), cowrie shells, cord\/fiber trim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: approx. 28 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Age-consistent surface wear, cowrie shell trim and cord elements largely intact (see photos)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Mukudj\/okuyi white mask, female form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Alobalo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48219870036194,"sku":null,"price":227.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0825\/2201\/3922\/files\/ef6b57f9-ac8a-4edd-aa93-0b9994580364.jpg?v=1786714918","url":"https:\/\/www.alobalo.shop\/es\/products\/punu-mukudj-white-mask-gabon-carved-wood-with-kaolin-and-cowrie-shells-28-cm","provider":"Alobalo ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}