$450
Punu people, African (Gabon, Ngounie River region), 20th century. Pair of hand carved and polychrome figural tribal masks or mukudj, each with dark inside hair, red lids, pierced slits on eyes, rounded ears and white kaolin clay faces--one with lozenge cicatrization markings on forehead, the other with rounded facial features, lozenge cicatrization markings on chin and concentric spiral accented hair. Figure with forehead accent approximate height 15.9", width 9", depth 6.9". The other approximate height 14.6", width 7.1", depth 5.9". Provenance: From the Private Collection of Dr. & Mrs. Calvin Wayne McLarin, Atlanta, Georgia. Note: These masks function as portraits of especially beautiful female members of the community, the tall lobes of hair were typical fashion in the 19th century in Gabon as are the scarifcation marks that were considered as sign of sensuality. Mukudj dancers who wear these masks perform on special and important occasions including those revering particular individuals or those that mark a positive development for the community as a whole.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2016-06-25
