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Delve into the captivating world of the Guro tribe in the Ivory Coast with this exceptional Guro Mask. The Guro people share linguistic and cultural ties with their western neighbors, the Bete and Dan tribes, yet their artistry exhibits a profound affinity with the Baule and Yaure tribes to the east. However, the Guro's history is marked by the violent colonization that transpired between 1906 and 1912, during which they were bestowed the name "Guro" by the invading French colonials, replacing their original name, Kweni.
Within Guro society, there is no centralized political authority. Instead, power resides in a council of elders, comprising the head men of various village quarters and members of several men's associations. The most significant among these associations is the Je society, a male-centric group known for its use of a variety of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic masks, some featuring staff-like superstructures. These masks, however, are considered off-limits for women to view.
Guro art is characterized by its stylistic elegance, dominated by masks with elongated faces, concave profiles, and slanted eyes. Many of these masks represent Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. These masks embody traditional Guro ideals of feminine beauty, featuring narrow, well-proportioned faces with small chins, high foreheads, arched black eyebrows, lowered eyelids, narrow noses with delicate nostrils, and slightly open mouths.
The Guro masks, including the one you see here, are beautiful handcrafted pieces that originate from the west coast of Africa, specifically from the Ivory Coast. The Guro tribe, sometimes pronounced as Gouro, is a deeply spiritual community, and their masks are profound representations of their way of life and spiritual beliefs.
This Guro mask, like many others, symbolizes the spirit of Gu, believed to have magic powers that protect the owner and the tribe. Each mask is unique, yet they all feature horns symbolizing spiritual power. These masks are a captivating fusion of human and animal traits, often incorporating imagery of mythical creatures and birds such as the hornbill. They played a crucial role in traditional ceremonies, including funerals, animal sacrifices, and weddings.
Similar to the remarkable Senufo, Bwa Ba, and other masks I've previously shared, this Guro (Gu) mask carries an intriguing history. It was a cherished possession of my father, with its origin story adding to its allure. In the 1990s, my parents had the privilege of staying in the home of a notable Hollywood figure, a residence adorned with an impressive collection of African masks. Expressing admiration for these masks, my father received encouragement to begin his own collection. He was graciously provided with the contact information of a South African dealer specializing in masks from various tribes across the Ivory Coast. Through this dealer, who split his time between the US and Africa, my father sourced all of the tribal masks that are now on my account.
**Dimensions:**- Length: Approximately 27 inches- Width: Approximately 8 inches
Own a piece of the Guro tribe's cultural legacy and history with this exceptional Guro Mask. Its unique beauty, rich detailing, and fascinating backstory make it a captivating addition to any collection or living space. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire a remarkable work of art that encapsulates the essence of Guro artistry and spirituality. Order now to make it a cherished part of your collection today!
