In the tradition of the Pounou people of Gabon, masks play a central role in funeral rites and ceremonies related to ancestor worship.
The Pounou, a Bantu people primarily settled in southern Gabon, are renowned for their white-faced masks called Okuyi. Covered in white kaolin, these masks symbolize purity, spirituality, and the link between the world of the living and that of the ancestors.
Used during ritual dances and funeral ceremonies, the Pounou mask played the role of a spiritual mediator. The delicate facial features, half-closed eyes, and frontal scarifications convey an ideal of balance, beauty, and serenity characteristic of Pounou aesthetics.
Today, these works are recognized as major pieces of traditional Central African art, sought after for their symbolic power and heritage value.
Origin: Pounou people, Gabon
Dimensions: Length 37 cm · Width 20.5 cm
Material: Carved wood and kaolin
Dominant colors: Ivory, brown and black
Status: Available
Type: Unique piece
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