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A Splendid Old Guro GU Female Face Mask Antique African Art - Tribal Masque - Cote d'Ivoire
Collected from the: Guro peoples of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa Material: Carved wood, paint over early black primer, skin oil, custom stand Period: Early 20th century Dimensions: 16" height, 6.5" width, 6" depth; weight is 1.90 pounds or 20.25" height, 3.75 pounds on stand Condition: Excellent. From a private Houston collection, exquisite signs of age and interior wear from authentic tribal use, age cracks and two indigenous repairs to rim test stable, wear exposed wood displays significant patination. Make special note of the perfect symmetry, serene expression, intricate coiffure and hole wear. Burnished surface condition displays traces of skin oil patina on smooth, worn interior and exterior rim indicative of frequent tribal wear and handling - an altogether sublime specimen !
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Guro 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. Gu represented a young woman with features that corresponded to traditional Guro ideals of feminine beauty: a narrow, well-proportioned face with a small chin, a high forehead with an undulating, presumably shaven hairline, arching black eyebrows, lowered eyelids, a narrow nose with delicate nostrils and a slightly open mouth. Gu was a family cult whose masks were kept by a family member who was then obliged to perform certain duties and observe certain taboos. During the ceremonies the masks were not necessarily worn by their owners, but rather by a family member who was an exceptionally good dancer. Gu masks depicting elaborate coiffures, often surmounted by combs or small animals, portrayed a noble, affluent or well-to-do woman or the wife of a rich man whose intricate hairstyle precluded the carrying of burdens on her head. Often the woman represented as such was no longer young and, as a widow or noble person she became androgynous, not required to do physical labor, she could then devote herself to trade and business. See African Masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection for several exceptional examples of this fascinating form.
History of the Guro Tribe 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 number around 200,000, and maintain a village life regulated by a council of elders and secret societies. 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 for further details.
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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!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal 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!
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