{"product_id":"punu-style-mask-gabon-sku-m844","title":"Punu Style Mask, Gabon | SKU: M844","description":"\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 99.8182%; height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.9079%; text-align: center; height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003ca title=\"View All African Masks\" href=\"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/collections\/decorative-masks\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAll Masks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.9079%; text-align: center; height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"View All Decorative Art\" href=\"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/collections\/decorative-african-art\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAll Decorative Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePunu Mask from Gabon Description of Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePunu masks from Gabon are instantly recognizable for their calm white faces, domed hairstyles, and delicate scarification marks. Traditionally worn by male dancers on stilts during funerals and initiations, they were seen as a link to the spirit world and a way to honor ancestors. Their features reflect ideals of feminine beauty—arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, and pursed lips—and rare dark versions were used in nighttime rituals for justice or protection. Their elegance and symbolism even inspired European artists like Matisse, and Picasso himself owned a Punu mask, possibly his very first piece of African art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Punu-style masks are still carved, though mostly for decoration. Modern versions echo the same serene beauty but are made as wall art or souvenirs rather than sacred objects. Authentic ritual masks remain rare and prized, while decorative pieces make the tradition accessible to a wider audience. In both forms, the masks carry forward a timeless sense of grace and cultural depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand carved in Gabon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepth: 6\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth: 10\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight: 14\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainable Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural paint and stain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndigenous wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWall Hanging: the mask includes a wire installed on the back for easy wall hanging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubsidized U.S. FedEx Ground shipping: $30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmaller pieces are shipped via FedEx Ground in a secure box, with careful packaging to ensure safe delivery. To make fine art shipping more affordable, we subsidize part of the cost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hemingway African Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46387532890169,"sku":"M844","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0076\/1190\/8196\/files\/white-green-punu-mask-M844.jpg?v=1787601595","url":"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/products\/punu-style-mask-gabon-sku-m844","provider":"Hemingway African Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}