This African mask with globular eyelids and a narrow pointed chin is one of the stylistic variants of the white masks of Gabon, itengi , (pl. bitengi). A skillfully braided hairstyle, gathered in shells, accompanies the headband limiting the forehead, on which is inscribed a single checkerboard scarification, mabinda , often tinged with red ochre. A chinstrap enhances the contours of the face. Abraded matte patina. In primitive art, this tribal mask of Gabon was associated with the various secret societies of Gabon, including the Bwiti, Bwete and Mwiri, the latter of which had several levels of initiation, to which all the Punu men belonged, and whose emblem was the caiman. The Punu did not use masks in the rituals of the Bwiti, unlike the Tsogo. These powerful secret societies, which also had a judicial function, included several dances, of which the leopard dance, the Esomba dance, the Mukuyi dance and the Okuyi dance on stilts were the most common. This kaolin bleached face mask, evocative of a dead woman, was displayed during the dance called Okuyi.
650.00 € Possibility of payment in3x (3x 216.7 €) This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
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