Early 20th Century Guro Passport Bird Mask Côte d'Ivoire MATTER COLLECTION

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This Guro Bird mask has basketry around the edges, and is covered in clay.
The Guro (Guru) of the Ivory-Coast … Read more This Guro Bird mask has basketry around the edges, and is covered in clay.
The Guro (Guru) of the Ivory-Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) are related to the Baule, and there is a resemblance in their masks. The daily life of the Guro is dominated by secret societies called "zuzu". The Guro Yaure Portrait Mask is a stunning piece of African art that is widely recognized for its intricate details and realistic depiction of human features. The mask originates from the Ivory Coast, specifically from the Guro tribe, which is known for its skilled artisans who create exceptional works of art.
With a population of 200,000, the Guro live west of the Baule on the Côte d'Ivoire, in a heterogeneous area of free-filled savannas and dense tropical forest. Originally, they were called Kweni, but they were violently colonized between 1906 and 1912 and were given the Baule name Guro by the invading French colonials. The Guro farm predominantly grows cotton, rice, coffee, and cocoa and the men clear the field and the women plant. Guro masks are elegant, usually long with pointed chins, and generally the most colorful of African masks. Sometimes there are burn marks on them. They are often repainted, so layers of paint are not uncommon. Such masks were danced in various ceremonies. The daily life of the Guro is dominated by secret societies and by a belief in protective spirits, to whom the Guro used to build shrines and create figures. The most significant in this respect is the Je society, which is responsible for social, political, and juridical questions, decisions of peace and war, policing tasks, and the detection of destructive forces, as well as appearing at funerals of its members. This male society uses a variety of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic masks, some fitted with staff-like superstructures, all ostensibly fatal for women to view. Village life is regulated by a council of elders, representing each main family, and by secret societies. They belong to the category of Je masks and are the first to appear to warm up the audience prior to the appearance of the anthropomorphic masks, considered to be the most important during the performance. The Guro Yaure Portrait Mask is not only visually stunning, but it also holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for the Guro people. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Guro tribe's craftsmen and serves as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. Today, the mask is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts from all over the world, further cementing its status as a masterpiece of African art.
Provenance: Matter Collection
From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.
Stand NOT included








Height (In) 8.5Width (In) 5.0Depth (In) 3.5








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