Standing figure

Description

soft wood, the body light brown, the facial plane whitened with kaolin, striking detail: the arms are arranged opposite to each other, slightly dam., minor missing parts (coiffure, mouth), rep. (base backside), 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.