Guro (Gouro, Gwio, Kweni, Lo, Lorube), Côte d’Ivoire

Spirit mask.  The Guro people numbering about 200,000 live in the interior part of the country, surrounded by savannah and forest. The Guro are related by language and culture to their western neighbors, the Bete and Dan, yet their art has greater affinity with that of the Baule and Yohure to the east. The Guro farm predominantly cotton, rice, coffee, and cocoa - the men clear the fields and the women plant. Village life is regulated by a council of elders, representing each main family, and by secret societies. The daily life is dominated by secret societies and by a belief in protective spirits, to whom the Guro used to build shrines and figures. The Guro have a very pronounced artistic sense. This mask where human face is combined with the head of antelope presents a spirit. Its specific meaning and function are not clear.

Material: wood

Size: H. 15”, W. 6½”, D. 5”

Price: $180+$23 (S&H) Sold -- J.B   [#U4G8M140]