Punu

The Punu reside on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River and belong to a group of tribes known as Shira which were originally part of Luango kingdom of Angola. With the Eshira, the Lumbo, the Vili, the Galoa and the Vungu people, the Punu migrated northwards during the 18th century and settled where they are now. They live in independent villages divided inot clans and families and social cohesion is ensured by a society, known as Moukouji, whose primary role is to subjugate harmful forest spirits. During ceremonies related to the society, small statues and masks appear which are often covered in white pigments, alludingin to their anti-witchcraft functions.

Punu masks are thought to represent ancestors' faces. They are worn during funerals and by a Moukouji initiate who stands on stilts. The masks have realistic, usually white, faces with protruding pursed lips. T-shaped noses, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve, high-domed foreheads and characteristic ridged high coiffures, which reflects the Punu women's style.