Face mask "okuyi"
Gabon, Punu
not available anymore
Provenance
Dieter Röttger, Sylt, GermanyAlex Vömel, Düsseldorf, Germany
Size
H: 29 cm
H: 11.4 inch
Description
light-weighted and light-coloured wood, remains of a whitish face painting, black and red colour, flat and round face with closed eyes, unusual formed mouth part, the lack of characteristic scarification marks is unusual as well, strong abrasion of paint, cracks and missing parts at the back of the head, rep. (same place);
according to Hans Himmelheber depicting a deceased woman, who has returned from the realm of the dead. “Okuyi” masks were originally danced at funeral ceremonies.