Lot 221: A fine and rare Punu shrine figure

Punu, Gabon; H: 12"

A rare figure, carved in classical Punu style. Remains of white pigment throughout. Lower portion of body wrapped in cloth over animal hide.

Comments:
While masks of the Punu people of the Ogowe River region of Gabon are found in many collections, shrine figures are quite rare. This figure is important in that it not only displays classical Punu features, but it is also largely intact, with the ceremonial material and pigment in original order.

Provenance:
- Marceau Riviere, Paris
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. ,30 Fig. 68

The Visual Arts of Africa (1998) Perani & Smith; Fig. 8.24

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

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