Ancient African mask - Punu Gabon

Very beautiful old punu mask (gabon). This old punu mask represents an idealized female ancestor. The white color of the mask is asexual; white is a symbol of peace, gods, spirits of the dead and the afterlife. Hence the predominant color in celebrations, funerals and commemorations. This is why masks were worn at funerals. They also appeared in magical rituals whose function was to unmask sorcerers.