Masque facial "okuyi" ou "mukudji" · Gabon, Punu · ID: 3047992
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.
L’objet Masque facial “okuyi” ou “mukudji” avec l’ID d’objet 3047992 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 96e Vente aux enchères dans 24 avril 2021 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 270 a atteint un prix de vente de 1 800 €.
Vous trouverez d’autres Masques et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.
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AHDRC: 0049778