AFRICAN PUNU WOOD MASK.Gabon. The finely carved "Mukudj" mask bears an ovoid face with high arched brows over bulging lids with narrow slit, wide splayed nose, relief closed lips, and pointed chin. The face is heightened by a tall coiffure with pointed lobes on the sides, and overall textured with grooves. The kaolin painted face with traces of black pigment on brows and lips; white kaolin faded and lost on highpoints on forehead, cheeks and chin, and heavily encrusted around eyes, nose and lips. Some areas abraded, wormholes and age cracks throughout. Custom base. - 11 1/2 in. high. Estimate $2,500-4,000
PROVENANCE: Private Maryland collection, Sotheby's Arcade, NYC, early 1980s.
Some wear to the extremities, losses of white paint.
