Gabon

Gabon is a Central African country whose peoples include the Fang, Kota and Punu. Each developed distinctive ways to decorate the body and to represent people and ancestors in art.

Fang portraits show facial and body markings, ornaments and carefully arranged hair. Some designs were tattooed; others were made as raised scars. A strong outline or a few dark marks could give the face a striking appearance.

Punu masks often show an idealised woman's face, with pale colouring, elaborate hair and raised patterns on the forehead and temples. The carved face reflects ideas of beauty, but it also belongs to a ceremonial performance.

Fang and Kota guardian figures had another purpose: they accompanied the remains of important ancestors. Some were carved in wood, others covered with gleaming metal. Together with portraits of living people, they show how faces, hair and decoration could connect beauty with family memory.