Mask (mukudj) for the Okuyi Society

Culture: Punu artist
Date: late 19th–early 20th century
Material: Wood, kaolin, pigment
associated with: Nyanga province, Gabon, Africa
Classification: Costume & clothing, masks
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 12 1/8 x 8 1/8 x 8 in. (30.8 x 20.6 x 20.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 542:1956

NOTES

This mask’s white coloring symbolizes peace, the afterlife, and the spirits of the dead. The features of these masks are relatively naturalistic, but a supernatural effect was created when the mask was combined with the bulky costumes and stilts also worn by the dancer. People throughout the Ngounie River Basin of southern Gabon historically made "mukudj" masks for the Okuyi Society. In the past they were danced in masquerades during funeral celebrations, though today performances of this mask are chiefly for entertainment.

Provenance

before 1952 - 1956
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack, St. Louis, MO, USA [1]

1956 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin S. Novack [2]

Notes:
[1] This object was included in an exhibition titled "St. Louis Collects" from April 7–May 5, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Novack are identified as the owners [City Art Museum events poster, SLAM document files].

[2] Per Deed of Gift signed by Alvin S. Novack on December 29, 1956 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of Administrative Board of Control and the Advisory Committee of the City Art Museum, January 10, 1957.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.