Female face mask "okuyi" or "mukudji"
Lempertz, Brussels, 5 November 1994, Lot 67
Description
wood, black paint,
This beautiful old mask belongs to the so-called “White Masks of Ogooué”, even though the kaolin layer that typically covers the face has been lost. Its special charm probably lies precisely in the asymmetry of its facial features.
The white mineral-coated masks from Gabon significantly influenced the artists of Fauvism at the beginning of the 20th century. Picasso also owned a Punu mask, as evidenced by a photograph from 1910.
These masks represent female ancestors from the afterlife. Their whitened faces are reminiscent of death masks, which is indicated not only by the colour but also by the narrow slit eyes that always appear to be nearly closed.
The masks belonged to the male “mwiri” secret society and especially performed during mourning rites.
Publications
AHDRC: 0049778