Click Here for New Arrivals! African mask: During the 18th century the Punu had to flee their land, under pressure from the Fang and settled in the south and southwest of Gabon. The Punu belong to a nation of people known as The Shira. This group consists of the Eshira, Lumbo, Vili, Galoa and Vunga people. Although part of this collective, the Punu are well known throughout Central Africa partly because Punu ladies are thought to be very beautiful. Adhering to tradition, only Punu males are allowed to carve tribal masks and then only of Punu women. The masks that portray the ladies are so well liked that they can be found on currency that belongs to several Central African countries. The classic Punu mask styling includes an eleborate hairdo (popular among the Punu women), a bird crest, full lips, high eyebrows, oriental shaped eyes which are sometimes covered or highlighted with a white pigment called kaolin, which is connected with an anti-witchcraft function. The mask on display has been fashioned from a dark brown wood whose perimeter has been adorned with a thick hand woven raffia. An attractive dark red pigment adorns the forehead forming a band, the eyebrows, ears, lips and demarcates the side scarification. Please click photo for enlargement! See another photo below. Please scroll down to Order. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: 14 inches tall x 7 1/2 inches wide x 5 1/2 inches deep. Wt: 6 lbs. Item 638b$225.00 Inner viewPlease click photo for enlargement! The WarehousePlease click here for new mask arrivals. The Curators GalleryPlease click here for exclusive high grade selections.