A Guro mask of the Master of Bouaflé or his workshop.

In the culture of the Guro, a distinction is made when wearing masks as to whether there is a connection with the cult or whether the connection is more in the context of secular festivities. Three sacred masks are associated with Zamble. He is a mythical male being who has both leopard and antelope features. Zamble has a beautiful wife named Gu and a fierce brother named Zuali. These masks have a rather canonical form. In contrast, other types of Guro masks, which are only for entertainment, are designed by the respective wearers. Called "Gu" in the vernacular, this mask represents a woman known for her beauty. It was worn by a man and was supposed to bring good luck to the family that invoked the mask. The dancer then mimed the feminine grace.

Lit.: Eberhard Fischer: Guro-Bildhauer. In: Eberhard Fischer/Lorenz Homberger: Afrikanische Meister. Kunst der Elfenbeinküste, Zurüch 2014, p. 23-61.

sold

Height: 31 cm
Weight: 670 g