A Guro mask, Ivory Coast, with delicate aesthetics and subtle features of a half opened mouth straight nose, two almond shaped eyes slit in their centre, the forehead is wide, two small ears at each side of the mask, the rims of the mask are punctured with holes to attach a costume to it, on top of the head are two birds, their beaks are touching; some cracks, the bottom of the mouth and jaw is quite damaged, signs of 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: 36 cm
Weight: 1790 g (with stand)