Between the Baule and Yaure tribes to the west, the Malinke to the north and the Bete-We to the south, the Guro people live surrounded by forest and Savannah in the Ivory Coast. Originally the Guro were known as the Kweni until they were violently colonized from 1906 to 1912 and were given the Baule name Guro. Guro people are very traditional and believe still in their ancient culture. They have both male and female secret societies. The male society is called “Je” and the female societies are known as “Kne.” Guro daily life is dominated by farming, the Je society and by the belief in protective bush spirits called zuzu.

The Guro have a very pronounce masking art style in which they portray an animal linkage to most of their polychrome facial coverings. Masks are worn by both societies and no mask used is without spiritual importance and hidden meanings. The Guro are traditionally farmers and hold special ceremonies dedicated to appeasing the agriculturally related spirits. Tall dancers draped in colorful outfits made from raffia and cotton fibers perform while wearing these highly decorated wooden masks that cover their entire face. The masks are as elaborate as the costumes and help create an amazing spectacle!

 Age is not important when grading these masks. Rather the skill of the craftsman, the adherence to tradition and the polychrome colors are the only factors that come into play in our opinion. The imagination of the carver should be as spirited as the dancer! The unique facial covering that we have selected features a fully costumed dancer cleverly positioned on top of a brilliant red painted Guro face with signature animalistic melding, bulging forehead, toothed smile and etched scarification. This well crafted piece will add a tremendous pop of color to your décor as well as pay tribute to the artistic talents of Guro of the Ivory Coast!

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Dimensions: 15 inches tall x 8 inches deep x 6 inches wide.

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