African mask antiques tribal Face vintage Wood Original west Guro Gu Masks masks for wall-8252

50.5/24-CM
Hailing from Cote D'Ivoire are the Guro peoples, primarily composed of farmers. Their legacy stems from their prominent mask-making traditions, which has produced an array of lively and colorful masks, adorned with intricate surmounts. These striking and delightful artifacts play a central role in both spiritual and societal events. The Guro peoples' skillful handiwork evokes imagery associated with agriculture and the terrain, often depicted through the animals featured on their masks. Concealed within these masks lie spiritual symbols of tremendous significance. The male secret society, Je, is the main regulator of village life. One striking artifact of Guro culture is the intricately fashioned and decorated mask that portrays the spirit of Gu, the spouse of the supernatural being Zamble. Gu is frequently depicted as calm, lovely, and poised. In creating Guro art, it is vital to blend animal and human shapes dexterously. An expressive feature of these masks are eyes with a slanted, almond shape.