Punu Ceramic Mask, Gabon, Based

White face, black crest, and a calm that is hard to match.

Punu carvers of Gabon, Central Africa, made this mask in wood in the 20th century. Punu white-faced masks are commonly associated with ideals of female beauty and are worn in dances at funerals and gatherings. The face is coated in pale kaolin, with half-closed slit eyes, a diamond scar on the brow, and dark, full lips. A tall crested coiffure, swept in ridges and finished in black, frames the head, with side braids at the cheeks.

About 11 inches tall. A calm face for a loud room.