OKUYI (MUKUYI) face mask

Gabun, Kamerun, Punu, early 1980's, wood, kaolin, carving of ancient ancestor of Punu tribe, scarification on head and temples, h. 29 cm, very good condition. Punu tribe comes from Gabun and Kamerun. Dancers on stilts are using these mask during ceremonial rituals such as funerals and initiations. Hearcut of a woman depicted on the mask was spread in the Western Gabun region in 1960's.