Africa, Ivory Coast, Guro, ca. early 20th century CE. A Guro mask depicting a beautiful female spirit representing Gu, the wife/daughter or zamble, of a classic elongated form with a concave profile, a most impressive, multi-lobed and extensively incised coiffure that emerges from the tightly cropped hair of a stylized geometric pattern with a hairline delineated by brass rounds, abstract tribal marks on the forehead in high relief, an open mouth with filed teeth, and refined minimalist facial features that produce an aesthetic beloved by many collectors. The wooden collar was created for the attachment of a raffia cloak costume. According to the Guro religious belief system, masks like this example have traditionally been created to represent revered ancestors that are used in masquerades of secret societies and family groups. According to Barbier (1993: 240): "Gu is a beautiful woman: she sings the praises of [her father/husband] zamble, dances lasciviously and places the stones in the hearth of young wives, whom she protects from any ill will on the part of the family into which they have married." Describing a similar mask of the Barbier-Mueller collection, Deluz (also in Barbier 1993: 93, cat. no. 154) writes: "Gu never leaves the sacred grove alone, rather, she is always accompanied by her husband/father. Her teeth are filed in a zigzag pattern, like those of many Guro women born before about 1920 . . ." Truly among the finest pieces we have seen! Size: 8" W x 19.5" H (20.3 cm x 49.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex- Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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#113246

Stable, age cracks to wooden collar and back of coiffure. Otherwise excellent with minor surface wear.