Description

This is a Guro mask  from the Guro Tribe of the Ivory Coast. This type of mask acts as a representation of the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. The mask displays Guro ideals of feminine beauty, such as a narrow, well-proportioned face with a small chin, a high forehead, arching black eyebrows, lowered eyelids, a narrow nose with delicate nostrils, and a slightly open mouth.The mask is believed to have spiritual power that protects the human way of life of the owner and the tribe. The top of this mask is surmounted by an antelope totem, a small unpainted a carved head of an antelope. These masks were commonly used during the traditional ceremonies such as funerals, animal sacrifices and weddings, today masks now are employed primarily for entertainment.