Ivory Coast Guro people.

Ceremonial mask; pronounced forehead, nose and mouth. 910  gr. - 34x18x20 cm. Extremely fine. Rare. Provenance Fall Elhadji.

The Guro are well-known for their highly-decorated and colorful masks, which can be quite complex, combining human features with those of animals. There are also masks of more simple form which can be less colorful, and feature animal or human faces, without combining them. Masks are by far the most famous artform of the Guro, but not the only one. They have also produced some fine, but rare, standing figures, as well as famous and masterful heddle pulleys. The numerous masks of the Guro have some characteristics which make them quite easy to identify, although some of the more refined and subtle ones can be confused with their neighbors the Baule and Yaure. Generally, Guro masks have a long face with pointed chin, often with elaborate animal or serpent superstructures/additions. The majority are covered with thick coats of polychrome paint, in a blithering array of colors

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