ON SALE

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 by the invading French colonials. Guro daily life was dominated by secret societies 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. Their well known masks generally are carved from light wood and fashioned with elongated faces with slit eyes. The subject matter varies greatly as does the animal parts which can surmount, surround and or lie beneath the central semi-human face. The Guro mask on display has the semi human face formed as a small red mask which is embedded in the center a larger body that has been crafted in the form of a crocodile; symbolizing the great strength of the Guro people. The mask is topped by a triad of majestic Hornbill birds a favored Guro motif representing the tribes ability to successfully increase in numbers which is vital for survival! Good mask in great condition!

Please click photo for enlargement!

Dimensions: 21 inches tall x 6 inches across x 4 inches deep.

Any QUESTIONS please leave a message here at Contact Us!

*Fixed or free shipping for domestic orders only*