PUNU
PUNU
Statue of a woman
From Dibouka (Gabon). 20th century.Height: 42 cm.An IR spectroscopy dating certificate (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, no. 6AF-3637, indicates the date as 1942 ± 8 years.Light wood, brownish patina.The black, one-piece headdress is extended by a chin-strap that encircles the face. The eyes are deliberately moon-shaped.The calabashes held in the figure’s hands symbolise the prosperity and abundance brought by the protective spirit depicted here (the Punu kinship system is matrilineal). This statuette features protective scarifications typical of the Mayombe region on the forehead, chest and stomach, as well as on the back and the nape of the neck.
PUNU
Statue of a woman
From Dibouka (Gabon). 20th century.Height: 42 cm.An IR spectroscopy dating certificate (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, no. 6AF-3637, indicates the date as 1942 ± 8 years.Light wood, brownish patina.The black, one-piece headdress is extended by a chin-strap that encircles the face. The eyes are deliberately moon-shaped.The calabashes held in the figure’s hands symbolise the prosperity and abundance brought by the protective spirit depicted here (the Punu kinship system is matrilineal). This statuette features protective scarifications typical of the Mayombe region on the forehead, chest and stomach, as well as on the back and the nape of the neck.
