During the 18th century the Punu had to flee their land, under pressure from the Fang and settled in the south and southwest of Gabon. The Punu belong to a nation of people known as The Shira. This group consists of the Eshira, Lumbo, Vili, Galoa and Vunga people. Although part of this collective, the Punu are well known throughout Central Africa partly because Punu ladies are thought to be very beautiful. Adhering to tradition, only Punu males are allowed to carve tribal masks and then only of Punu women. The masks that portray the ladies are so well liked that they can be found on currency that belongs to several Central African countries. The classic Punu mask styling includes a high pointed hairdo (popular among the Punu women), full lips, traditional scarification on the forehead center, high eyebrows, oriental shaped eyes and are sometimes covered or highlighted with a white pigment called kaolin, which is connected with an anti-witchcraft function. The mask on display is of the helmet mask variety whereas it is intended to fit over or on top of the dancers head. This style of mask is a bit more uncommon coming from the Punu making it a good fine for the collector. This headdress has minor signs of wear from usage but the detailing is clear and the colors still vibrant.

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Dimensions: 16 inches tall x 11 inches across x 12 1/4 inches deep. 

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