Punu Mask, Gabon

Description of Significance:

The Punu masks, treasured for their iconic status in African art, were traditionally used in the mukudja funerary ceremonies by stilt-walking dancers. Symbolizing the spirit of a young woman, their white kaolin-covered faces represent reincarnation. These masks feature an idealized female visage with intricately carved scarification, often displayed as elaborate coiffures on the forehead. Notably, these masks have significantly influenced European art, with Picasso owning a Punu mask, possibly his earliest piece of African art. This mask is a contemporary version that references ceremonial Punu masks. 

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in Gabon

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 8"
  
• Width: 10" 
• Height: 16"

Sustainable Materials:

• Paint and stain
• Indigenous wood

Display:

• Wall Hanging: the mask comes with a wire installed on the back for easy wall hanging.

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. Ours are by talented artisans creating fine art that reference historic styles. Newly produced African art is gorgeous and we value these pieces. This includes contemporary aesthetics from the continent that may not necessarily look traditionally ‘African’. Our goal is to represent design in Africa that goes beyond the idea of ‘tribal’ as the styles of emerging artists are ever evolving.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Subsidized U.S. FedEx Ground shipping: $20
• Smaller pieces like this are shipped with FedEx Ground in a large box. These pieces are fragile and we take care to ensure your sculpture arrives safely. Shipping fine art is expensive, so we subsidize the cost of shipping for you.
• A declared value is included in each shipment so a signature upon delivery is required. 
• Delivery in the New York City area is available.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.