This well-known, white-faced mask type ‘Okuyi’, from the Punu in Gabon, represents a beautiful maiden who comes from the afterlife to visit the living. The character of the mask figure is positive and benevolent. She gives advice and provides entertainment at feasts and markets. ‘Okuyi’ dances are carried out by young men on 2 metre tall stilts.
The present ‘Okuyi mask’, of lightweight, light-coloured wood, has a significant white face (dyed by means of kaolin) and displays a black-dyed, finely lined hairstyle with a high central crest (divided at the back), as well as with two short plaits at the side. Also dyed black are the raised, characteristic lozenge of scarification marks between the eyebrows (consisting of 16 small parts) and on both temples (each made up of 12 parts), the accentuated high eyebrows, the slit eyes that seem so ‘Japanese’, and both nostrils. In contrast, both ears, the lips of the open mouth, which reveals the upper row of teeth, as well as the wide border of the mask are all dyed red. Minimal age-damage: minor cracks to both the face and the edge at the bottom. An old loss to the back rim at the bottom. Otherwise no damage. A ‘classical’ type of the white Punu masks, with good, old usage patina (inside).
Height: 32 cm; width: 20 cm. (ME)

Provenance:
Austrian private collection.

Lit.:
‘Punu’von Louis Perrois and Charlotte Grand-Dufay, ill. 1, 5, 17, 25.