$382.50
In stock
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Guro culture, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A magnificent pair of carved-wood masks representing idealized female beauty, each known as a “gu”. Painted in rich hues of crimson and chocolate brown, the nearly identical vizards present elongated visages with full lips, recessed philtrums, triangular noses, narrow nasal bridges, and slit eyes with heavy lids under arched brows, all flanked by a pair of petite ears. A series of three dots, representing ceremonial scarification, adorns both of their convex foreheads, which are capped by dramatic incised hairlines; one undulating with a border of three incised striations and the other zigzagged with diagonal stripes. Both eccentric headdresses feature nude figures kneeling atop their heads, as their hands rest on their thighs. With one male and the other female, each figure displays a sizable head with closed eyes, a petite nose, and an open mouth. The female showcases a bulging, possibly pregnant belly and pointed breasts. Size (roughly the same): 5.75″ W x 17″ H (14.6 cm x 43.2 cm)
Circular apertures are displayed on the peripheries of both masks, allowing them to be strapped to one’s head.
Gu masks are part of a Guro group of masks that are considered a family, consisting of a grotesque animal called a zauli, a horned mask known as a zamble, and a gu, which takes the form of a human. Gu, who is zamble’s wife, performs last of the three, and dances slowly and gracefully to flute music as she sings songs in honor of zamble.
Condition: Mask with female figure has chip to central scarification mark and miniscule nick to bottom of verso, as well as minor stable fissure on proper left chin periphery. Mask with male figure has a stable fissure curving around its chin and two more fissures to verso of top figure and verso of top of head. Expected light abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas and impressive remaining pigments.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired in early 2000’s; ex-Chelsea Mini Storage Auction, New York, New York, USA
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