Punu masks

The Punu reside on the left bank of the Ngoume river and belong to a group of tribes known as "Shira" which were originally part

of the Luango Kingdom of Angola. They migrated northwards in the 18th century.

Punu masks are thought to represent ancestors faces. The masks have realistic,usually white faces with protruding pursed lips,

high-domed foreheads and T-shaped noses.

During ceremonies masks are often covered in white pigments, alluding to their anti-witchcraft functions.