African Ceremonial Masks & Spear

$3,500.00

African Ceremonial Masks & Spear

Description

A superb collection of original African Tribal Masks and an authentic Tribesman’s Spear!

Own something that few have ever even laid eyes upon!  An entire set of original African Masks.

Two of these extraordinary masks are brilliantly preserved 19th century Punu Gabon Masks.

The Spear is late 19th century, hand polished, with one still sharp, finely etched, leaf bladed, spear end; and an extended piercing point seamlessly fitted to the other end.  This amazing piece of history is in good enough condition to use on the next hunt!

 

HISTORY:     Punu Gabon masks represent idealized female ancestors’ faces. The white color of the mask is genderless; since white is a symbol for peace, deities, spirits of the dead, and the afterlife. It is thus the predominating color in funeral celebrations and memorials.

The masks have realistic, mostly white but occasionally black faces with protruding pursed lips, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve, high-domed foreheads, and characteristic rigid high coiffures reflecting the Punu women’s hair styles.  The masks often have an Oriental expression, but no such influence has been established.

Many Punu masks can be recognized by raised diamond-shape scarification marks on the foreheads and temples.  Black-face masks have exactly the same stylistic characteristics as the white masks, but they are believed to have a more judiciary function and help identify sorcerers.

Priced individually:  Punu Gabon white-SOLD, Punu Gabon black-950.00, Large polished face-550.00, Large black Demon Face-850.00, small Happy face-450.00, Spear 1125.00

Discounted price for entire collection together $3500.00