Punu masks, known
as duma or mvudi, are believed to represent a female
guardian spirit in the initiation of adolescent girls, funerary
rites, ancestor cults and also in dances of the full moon. At
the burial ceremonies of the Punu society the masks represent
a female ancestor. The masks have realistic, usually white faces
(painted with kaolin) with protruding pursed lips, T-shaped
noses, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve, high-domed
foreheads and characteristic ridges high coiffures, which reflects
the Punu women's style. Some Punu masks have raised scarifications
carved in relief.
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