What is the PUNU mask made out of?

What is the PUNU mask made out of?

wood
These Punu masks are hand carved out of wood and set in the colors of White and black. The Punu masks oriental look strongly indicates that Chinese people traded and lived in Africa for many years before the European settlers arrived.

What do Punu masks represent?

Punu masks represent idealized female ancestors’ faces. The white color of the mask is genderless; white is a symbol for peace, deities, spirits of the dead, and the afterlife. It is thus the predominating color in funeral celebrations and memorials.

Where is the Punu mask from?

Gabon
A Punu-Lumbo mask is a tribal mask native to the Ogooué River basin in Gabon, especially in the south in Ngounié Province.

Where do the Punu people live?

The Punu, groups who live in the south of Gabon, are famous for their typically white masks, known as Okuyi masks with their Asiatic slit eyes (which have nothing to do with Japanese masks).

What does the kwele mask symbolize?

African Kwele mask The Kwele masks represent the spirits of the forest and the bush and are presented during initiation ceremonies and or at the end of a mourning period to promote well-being within a community. The Kwele masks act as intermediaries between the world of the bush and that of the village.

What tribe made the kwele mask?

Kwele People. “The Kwele tribe live on the northern frontier of the Republic of Congo, and have produced a famous type of mask called Ekuk. It displays a flat surface and often has a whitened heart-shaped face, a triangular nose and coffee bean eyes.

What is an African Punu mask?

An African hand carved ceremonial Punu mask that originates from Gabon and is said to have an oriental expression. These Punu masks are hand carved out of wood and set in the colors of White and black. The Punu masks oriental look strongly indicates that Chinese people traded and lived in Africa for many years before the European settlers arrived.

Where can you find the finest hand carved mask in Africa?

You can find the finest hand carved mask within the Punu tribe located in Gabon. These masks are known to be carved and worn only by the Punu men. Who might use this mask and how long have people been using it?

Can you live without the Punu mask?

The people of African Decent can live without the Punu Mask because it is not a necessity in life. However, I do feel like the Punu mask does three things for the Punu tribe: it marks their existence, it represents their religious beliefs, and it plays an important role with connecting to ancestors.

What are the different types of African masks?

The Goma Mask. The Goma African mask was produced by people living near Lake Tanganyika, which is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This style of mask is elongated, with a dome at the top of the face. This style of mask also features a pattern of shapes carved into the forehead and face. The Punu Mask.

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