Rare black face mask "ikwara-mokulu" ("mask of the night") ·  Gabon, Punu · ID: 3053167

Description

wood, pigments, old collection label “M’Pogwe Gabon”

This rare black mask follows in the tradition of the well-known white-faced masks of the Ogooué region, but differs in its unusual colouring. According to Perrois, the black version may indicate a change in ritual function: White “okouyi” initiation masks were sometimes painted black and used as judgement masks, which were believed to have the ability to expose witches.

The mask displays the characteristic features of Punu aesthetics: a smoothly modelled, round and naturalistic face with crescent-shaped eyes, a high arched forehead and an elaborate hairstyle.

Comparing literature

Schmalenbach, Werner, Afrikanische Kunst aus Kölner Privatsammlungen, Düsseldorf 2004, p. 68 Roy, Christopher, Art and Life in Africa, Iowa 1985, p. 101, ill. 66

Publications

AHDRC: 0138823