|
A Splendid OLD Guro ZAMBLE PLE PLE Antelope Mask
Antique African Art - Tribal Masque - Cote d'Ivoire
Collected from the: Northern Guro peoples of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa
Material: Carved wood, pigment
Period: Mid 20th century
Dimensions: 16.5" height, 8" width, 4.75" depth; weight is 2.05 pounds
Condition: Exceptional. From a private Parisian collection, substantial signs of age and wear from tribal use, wear exposed wood displays considerable patination. Make special note of the classic facial expression, sublime intricately carved details, impressive incisors and evenly filed teeth. Worn surface condition at back rim edge, interior and intact bite bar indicative of tribal wear and handling - a fine example of Guro art !
Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this delightful old masque!
And be sure to see the incredible OLD AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store!
Or explore our collection of WEST AFRICAN ARTS !
Click Images to Enlarge
Guro ZAMBLE Mask Traditions and Use
The best-known cult among the northern Guro relates to a group of masks that were considered a family. The family consisted of Zauli, a grotesque animal mask with long horns; Zamble, a horned mask whose face was meant to recall a leopard or crocodile; and Gu, a human female mask. Gu, who was usually thought of as zamble's wife, performed after the two zoomorphic figures who were responsible for resolving quarrels and detecting sorcerers, or who danced at funerals and other ceremonies. During her performance, which was accompanied only by flute music, gu moved slowly and gracefully, singing songs in honor of Zamble. Zamble masks represented a bushbuck antelope and were one of the three Yu masks found among the northern Guro. The term Yu could be used to designate the association, all its objects, or one mask. The traditional trinity consisted of Zauli, a horned mask with distended cheeks; Zamble, and its daughter, Gu. On occasion, the group was reduced to a Zamble-Gu pair, in which Gu represented the wife. Women were not forbidden to watch or view the Zamble masks as they were used to detect and extinguish evil forces. In quarrels or conflicts, Zamble served as an arbitrator. A variant, a somewhat shorter-horned mask known as Zamble ple ple or strong-strong Zamble, could also embody Zauli, who was normally represented by a horned mask with distended cheeks.
Guro Tribal History
The Guro peoples migrated south to Cote d'Ivoire during the 16th century, and were originally known as the Kweni prior to violent French colonization in the very early 1900's. Today the predominantly agricultural Guro function as sedentary farmers in the tropical rainforests and wooded savanna of the Cote d'Ivoire interior, number around 200,000, and have no central political authority but maintain a village life regulated by a council of elders and secret societies. Power is held at the village level by a council of elders comprised of the head men of the various village quarters, as well as inhering in a number of men's associations. The most significant in this respect is the Je society, which is responsible for social, political and juridical questions, decisions of peace or war, policing tasks, and the detection of destructive forces, as well as appearing at the funerals of its members. Guro art is characteristically elegant, dominated by masks exhibiting elongated faces, concave profiles, and slanted eyes. Guro masks are thought to be among the most colorful and skillfully carved masquerade art in Africa. Notable similarities in design and features with the Baule, Bete, Yaure, and Senufo masks indicate a shared influence with neighboring tribes of the same region. Guro masks are danced, worn, or performed for funerals, trials, or memorial festivals. See Bacquart's The Tribal Arts of Africa and African Masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection for further details.
Cat. # mjm21
************************************************************************************
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!
If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!
Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed !
************************************************************************************
Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs!
Never a charge for handling!
Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery,
PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service.
Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment.
We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs !
PayPal and all major credit cards are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!!
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
|
Back to Search Results
) 
Santa Fe African Art
Print
Report item
and your 