PUVI
PUVI
A mask representing God (Nzembé-Kana, or Muhunzu).
From Pana, near Koula Moutou (Gabon). 20th century.Height: 35 cm.An IR spectroscopy dating certificate (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, no. 6AF-3754, indicates the date as 1938 ± 8 years.Light-coloured wood with traces of a kaolin patina.This mask features a forehead surmounted by a civet skin believed to possess magical powers. The eyebrows, eyes, mouth and chin are highlighted in black. The teeth are very finely carved inside the mouth. Traces of vertical incisions, formed by a dark-coloured coating, are visible on the cheeks. The lower section is edged with raffia.
PUVI
A mask representing God (Nzembé-Kana, or Muhunzu).
From Pana, near Koula Moutou (Gabon). 20th century.Height: 35 cm.An IR spectroscopy dating certificate (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, no. 6AF-3754, indicates the date as 1938 ± 8 years.Light-coloured wood with traces of a kaolin patina.This mask features a forehead surmounted by a civet skin believed to possess magical powers. The eyebrows, eyes, mouth and chin are highlighted in black. The teeth are very finely carved inside the mouth. Traces of vertical incisions, formed by a dark-coloured coating, are visible on the cheeks. The lower section is edged with raffia.
