African West Coast Yellow Double Bird Hand Carved Guro Mask Mid 20th Century

Description

African Ivory Coast Yellow Double Bird
Hand Carved Guro Mask Mid 20th Century
This is a very colorful yellow Guro mask from
the Ivory Coast of Africa with a nice patina.
The Guro of the Ivory Coast are related to the
Baule, and there is a resemblance in their masks.
The daily life of the Guro is dominated by secret
societies called "zuzu". Guro masks are elegant,
usually long with pointed chins, and generally
the most colorful of African masks. Sometimes
there are burn marks on them. They are often
repainted, so layers of paint are not uncommon.
Such masks were danced in various ceremonies.
They belong to the category of Je masks and are
the first to appear to warm up the audience prior
to the appearance of the anthropomorphic masks,
considered to be the most important during the
performance. This mask would be a wonderful
addition to any collection.
26" tall X 8.25" wide X 6" deep
Some dings to the paint, one earpiece is half
missing as is the side piece on the chin below,
one chip out of the wood on the back edge of
the mask, then what appears to be a stable
dry crack
on the back between the feet of
the two birds.
There are no repairs.