Punu Tribe Collection

The Punu people reside on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River in Gabon and belong to the group of tribes known as Shira. They live in independent villages that are divided into sects and families. Punu or Bapunu tribe is the second largest ethnic group in Gabon in terms of population. The Punu are matrilineal and trace their lines of descent through the women. The female ancestors are honored with okuyi ‘white masks’ that harness their power.