This is the rating and price for 20Th C. African Punu Painted Wood Ancestral Mask

Description : Africa, Gabon, Punu, likely Njabi people of Upper Lola River, ca. early 20th century CE. A magnificent white faced Punu mask believed to represent the visage of an ancestor. These are traditionally worn by a Moukouji initiate who stands tall upon stilts during a funeral ceremony. This example displays the chief characteristics of Punu masks, namely a somewhat naturalistic, white painted face with protruding full lips, protruding globular eyes that are also incised with a curve to delineate the lids, a T-shaped nose, a high domed forehead, a grand crested topknot coiffure that demonstrates the Punu women's style, and raised scarifications between the brows and on the cheeks before the earlobes. This example, because of its squarish chin may come from the Njabi peoples of the Upper Lola River. Perforated around back periphery. Hole at the top from the core of the wood falling away. Size: 6 L x 7.25 W x 12.25 H (15.2 cm x 18.4 cm x 31.1 cm) Similar examples have sold at Sotheby's for between S200,000 and S400,000. Follow these links for comparables: Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #113233
Price: 367.28 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 1000 USD-1500 USD It's free to register now to view!

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