SKU: 51505912878

Punu Mukudj Mask, Gabon #171

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Description

Punu Mukudj Mask, Gabon #171Punu Mukuyi Okuyi Mask, Gabon #171 Measurements: 322316 cm Condition: Good, with a worn patina of Ritual Use and care. Punu Masks from Gabon, known as Mukudj (Mukudji or Mukuyithe names of the Ceremonies at which they appear and the Stilt Dances associated with them), represent an Idealized Female Ancestor, symbolizing beauty, serenity, and the Spirit World. White kaolin covered faces signify the Afterlife, and Ancestral Wisdom. Worn by male stilt

  • Punu Mukuyi Okuyi Mask, Gabon #171
  • Measurements: 32×23×16 cm
  • Condition: Good, with a worn patina of Ritual Use and care.
  • Punu Masks from Gabon, known as Mukudj (Mukudji or Mukuyi—the names of the Ceremonies at which they appear and the Stilt Dances associated with them), represent an Idealized Female Ancestor, symbolizing beauty, serenity, and the Spirit World. White kaolin-covered faces signify the Afterlife, and Ancestral Wisdom. Worn by male stilt-dancers, these Masks mediate between the Living and Dead, often in Funeral or Celebratory contexts.

    Key Symbolism and Meaning of Punu Masks
    Idealized Female Ancestor: Representing the "Most Beautiful Women", these Masks feature high-domed foreheads, elaborate coiffures, and diamond-shaped scarification (lozenge-shaped) on the forehead/ temples.
    White Kaolin Clay: The white pigment, derived from local riverbeds, symbolizes Peace, the Afterlife and Spirits of the Dead.
    Serenity and Inner Vision: The eyes are usually half-closed, reflecting Meditation, Inner Peace, and a connection to the Spiritual Realm.

  • Black Masks (Rare): While most are white in pigmentation/ painting, black-colored Punu masks (Ikwaras) exist, generally representing Judicial or Protective Functions during Illnesses or Witchcraft-related Issues.

  • Black Punu masks were believed linked to a Judiciary Process such as searching for Witches, an Enquiry into a Crime, or a Trial by Poison.

    According to Louis Perrois, the category "masks with black painted faces" make up about 8% of the corpus of the Punu Masks. The black-faced
    masks represent Angry Spirits, and are therefore considered potentially dangerous to handle them. According to Perrois (1979: 235) the black patina on Punu masks is presumably an index of its more serious or darker role in Judiciary Services, potentially Condemning the Living, whereas Punu Masks layered in white kaolin are used in Celebrations and Funerary Ceremonies.

  • Cultural Identity: Today, these Masks are recognized as a key emblem of Punu Identity and were sometimes displayed in Villages for their Cultural Significance.
    The masks typically feature a heart-shaped face with a small, pointed chin and are crafted from wood, often accompanied by elaborate costumes of fiber or raffia.

  • The creator of a "Mukudj" Mask would attempt to capture the likeness of the most beautiful woman in his Community. The Subject of this particular idealized and stylized portrait was embellished in classic nineteenth-century fashion with a coiffure composed of a central lobe and two lateral tresses and with cicatrization motifs on the forehead and temples. Kaolin taken from riverbeds, which was associated with healing and with a Spiritual, Ancestral Realm of Existence, was applied to the surface of the face. By using this material, the Artist both celebrated the Beauty of a Mortal Woman and transformed her likeness into a Transcendent Being.

  • Punu Masks were only worn by male members of the Mwiri society, who dance on tall stilts on the occasion of Celebrations marking the end of Mourning, and more generally at important social events in the life of a Community. Their joyful, acrobatic walkabout performances are reminiscent of their former role as initiators and guarantors of social order, the cleanliness of community spaces, and even the moral behavior of the inhabitants.

  • Origin is Gabon

 

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SKU: 51505912878

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GSB
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy and good fit.
Color: Multifunctional Tissue Box-retro
Well made and perfect for the drop down table in between our two recliners in our couch. Holds all four of our remotes. Tissues come out easily and are easy to put into the holder as well. Looks very fancy. Great value for the money.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2025
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Deb G
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Works great
Color: Square Tissue Box-retro
I bought this to prevent our puppy from chewing up the Kleenex boxes. Worked like a charm and looks good too. Not flimsy, nice quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mrs. Hawkins
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Beautiful and well made
Color: Rectangular Tissue Box-retro
Such a beautiful and well made kleenex box. I absolutely love mine. I ordered 2 more after receiving my 1st one for my office. Easy to get the box in. Looks so nice and the kleenex feeds out of it easily. I even ordered my parents one for their office as a gift.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2026
K
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KY-Barbara
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Very Pretty and Nice Addition to my Living Room
Color: Square Tissue Box-retro
These look nice and were reasonably priced. Putting my tissue boxes in these holders also stopped my dog from tearing up boxes of tissues (he likes to tear up paper). he has not bothers these. They help the tissues blend into the decor without the distractions of the funky colors on the cardboard boxes.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026
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RONNA FIELD
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
High Quality!
Color: Rectangular Tissue Box-retro
This tissue box is high quality, elegant, and it was packaged nicely.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026

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