20 - IKWARA MASK - Gabon - Punu

IKWARA MASK - Gabon - Punu Mid-20th century. Wood, dark patina, pigments (kaolin). Dimensions: 27 cm. The headdress features a sophisticated three-lobed design. The almond-shaped, half-closed eyes are surmounted by thin, arched eyebrows carved in relief. The slightly parted mouth, shaped like a horizontal “eight,” is covered with kaolin (white). This type of black mask, known as Ikwara, is called the “mask of the night.” Unlike the white masks, known as Okuyi, which were used in broad daylight while wearing stilts, these black masks were brought out at dawn or dusk for secret rituals related to social regulation and justice within the community. Condition: A small chip on the left side of the mask. Research and documentation: Coryse Mwape – Art historian specializing in ancient African art. Internal ref.: 341