Ethnika.antiques
#5138 Large African Guru Portrait Bird Mask Cote d'Ivoire 38.5" H
#5138 Large African Guru Portrait Bird Mask Cote d'Ivoire 38.5" H
Regular price
$750.00 USD
Regular price
$950.00 USD
Sale price
$750.00 USD
Unit price
per
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Fantastic Large African Guro Mask from Guru, Kweni on the Ivory Coast. This hand carved Birds mask with pigments
It measures approximately 38.5" high by 11" w by 13.25" d
has great patina.
Ritual and ceremonial masks are an essential feature of the traditional culture of the peoples of Sub-saharan Africa
This Guro mask is a representation of the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. Each mask is similar but not identical with horns that represent the spiritual power and is believed by the tribe to have magic powers to protect the human way of life of the owner and the tribe. The Guro mask is very unique and has a combination of human and animal traits and imaginary beasts. Birds of different kinds can often be seen carved into the mask such as the horn bill or other large billed birds. These masks were commonly used during the traditional ceremonies such as funerals, animal sacrifices and weddings, today the people of Ivory Coast honor their ancestors with traditional dance and the mask represents their loyalty to the past.
