Mask - Punu - Gabon

The masks of Gabon are often named by the names of the rites in which they participate (Bwiti, bwété, byéri, ngil, emboli, okuyi, mukuyi. . .)

They intervene in all vital circumstances for the community, rites of a social nature (mourning, funerals, illnesses) , rites of purification or fertility (birth, adolescence, virginity) , rites of reconciliation and justice (to reestablish the authority of the chief, good understanding in families, or resolving generational conflicts) , or finally protection rites (which aim more specifically to attract the good graces of ancestors or geniuses. . .)

Mukuyi masks, commonly called "white masks", are coated with kaolin which in ancient times was mixed with pulverized human bone powder.
This ritual white makeup, still in use throughout equatorial Africa, is called Pfemba.

A sign of communication with the supernatural world, white clay is used by men and women, particularly during the rites of Bwiti.

The nine frontal keloid diamonds represent the Punu founding myths, with the central point representing the creative spirit.