Punu Lumbo Dance Mask

I was told that they were and I quote "Worn by virtuosic male performers doing a stiltz dance" and that it was traveling mask. It is made from clay ??? Any thoughts on origin or provenance? I aquired a few other items from an estate.

 

Your piece does have typical characteristics of masks made by the Punu of Gabon - the raised coiffure, bulbous forehead, slit eyes and scarifications. But it is too small to have been actually used as a mask, and would more accurately be described as a masquette, or "passport" mask. Masks made for use would be carved from wood, not made of ceramic as yours appears to be.

It is more likely a well made souvenir piece, similar to these examples made of terracotta (low fired ceramic):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134130853240

https://www.art-africain.co/contents/fr/p981_masque_passeport_africain_en_terre_cuite.html

The traditional wooden Punu masks would be worn at funerals, and some were worn by "Moukouji" initiates who performed on stilts - so that bit of information is accurate, just not for the little mask you have.

I should note that so-called passport masks are a tradition among the Dan people of Liberia and have a specific use (and not well suited to being made of ceramic, either).
https://www.hamillgallery.com/PASSPORTMASKS/PassportMasks.html

 

yup !

 

Yes that was what was said a passport i thought a travel

 

Great info and very interesting. Thanks