A Guro mask, Ivory Coast, in the style of Botis workshop, carved out of dark wood, oval shaped face thinned at the chin, the features are stricking and curious emphasized by the large grin\smile, the raised cheek bones, small pointed nose half slit eyes looking downwards, small ears pocking out on the sides, scarifications on the forehead, the hair is pulled up and there us an interesting headdress in the style of a crown; signs of sues, glossy by use. Certificate of origin and provenance.

“In Guro culture, distinctions are made between masquerades that are the focus of cults and those that are more secular in nature. A sequence of three sacred masks centers around Zamble, a mythical male being whose form fuses antelope and leopard features. He is in turn complemented by his beautiful wife, Gu, and his wild, grotesque brother, Zuali. Such representations are owned by certain families that use them as the loci of sacrificial offerings proposed by diviners to improve their well-being. In contrast, other Guro mask forms, which serve only as sources of entertainment, are designed by individual performers.”

Source: The MET.

sold

Height: 43 cm
Weight: 790 g