Guro Mask with Bird

The Guro are a group living on the Côte d’Ivoire. They were originally called the Kweni, but had their name changed when they were violently colonized by the French in the early 1900s. They are governed by a council of elders and by secret societies. The name Guro is a Baule name, and while the two groups share a similar artistic style, Guro masks are distinct in their delicate refinement. 

Guro masks can be identified by their long faces and generous collars. They frequently exhibit decorative facial markings that reference men’s tattoos, as well as either animal features such as horns,beaks, or a totem animal perched on the top of the head. This mask in particular has cheek markings both on the apples of the cheeks as well as on either side of the eyes. A delicately carved hair style draws the eye upwards to a bird that holds either hair or a decorative hair piece in its mouth and claws. The face has a glossy black patina that contrasts with a lighter collar, ears, and eyes.

19.5" x 7"