Punu Female Figure, Gabon

height 7 1/4in (18.3cm)

Provenance
French Colonial Officer, collected ca. 1910
Galerie Christine Valluet, Paris
Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass Collection, New York

This refined female figure, although diminutive in size, has a profound visual impact. While some of the proportions are exaggerated, such as the long, cylindrical neck, the overall proportions are in harmony. By extending the length of the neck, the artist has successfully balanced the work into three equal parts - the legs, the torso, and the head/neck. The rounded head is carved in classic Punu style with large bulbous forehead, swollen eyelids with slits that curve downward. A rounded, two-part coiffure crowns the back portion of her head. The squared shoulders provide a solid platform to support the cylindrical neck, below which hang diminutive breasts. The slender, attenuated arms rest against the torso and appear to be tucked into the groin area. Naturalistic legs, bent at the knees, turn slightly in adding to the overall dynamism; fine semi-glossy honey brown patina with wear indicative of much age.