Standing female figure · Gabon, Punu · ID: 3042690
sold
EUR 2,800
Provenance
Ader- Picard-Tajan, Drouot, Paris, 17 October 1983, lot 188Vincent Wapler, Drouot, Paris, 29 April 1994, lot 45
Sotheby’s, Paris, 15 June 2004, lot 161
Philipp Konzett, Graz, Austria
Helmut Feier, Vienna, Austria
Size
H: 28,5 cm
H: 11.2 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, asymmetrical body with handle-shaped arms and striking short legs, tribe-typical facial features, min. dam., missing part (base), slight traces of insect caused damage, paint rubbed off in small parts, base.
The Punu are known for the so-called “white masks”, representing the spirits of beautiful young maiden, who returned from the dead to take part in the village life. The face of present figure takes on the facial features of the “white masks”. The white paint not only refers to the deceased, but to methods for warding off witches as well. Sorcerers were believed to be most active and effective by night and the colour white suggests brightness and lucidity, both contrary to the night and to secrets.
Publications
AHDRC: 0048911