Tribal Art

Ex-collection of French African art.
Named bitengi (sing.: itengi) this type of mask was used during funerals and initiations of young boys. Among the variety of African masks Punu, this version offers a face topped with two parallel shells framed by quilts. The traditional scarifications in relief "mabinda" adorn the face. Abraded matte patina. Erosions, gaps.
Height on base: 46 cm.
The masks of the Punus were associated with the various secret societies of Gabon, including the Bwiti, Bwete, and the Mwiri ("to lead"), the latter spanning several levels of initiation. These powerful societies, which also had a judicial function, included several dances, including the leopard dance, the Esomba, the Mukuyi, and the Okuyi dance, on stilts, remaining the most widespread. . This whitewashed kaolin face mask, evoking a deceased woman, was exhibited during the Okuyi dance, where the dancer, equipped with a fly swatter, was draped in a garment concealing his identity. in the public eye.