Framingham State African Art Teaching Collection

2018.3

Mukudj Mask

Punu (Ogowe River Group)

Mask|Funerals|Initiation|Central Africa

Gabon

20th Century

Wood|Pigment|Kaolin

H x W x D: 14 x 8 x 4.8 in. (35.56 x 20.32 x 12.192 cm)

This mask is used in a performance called "mukudj," in which males use stilts while dancing and doing acrobats. Originally these dancers take place at funerals or initiations, but today
they're mainly done for entertainment purposes.