Tribal Art

This African mask offers concentrated features under a vast forehead that a protruding scarification divides vertically, a particularity of the zone located between the Guro and the Bété. A braided beard, highlighted with a necklace of glass beads, extends the chin. This mask, whose function remains poorly documented, would symbolize masculine strength, and perhaps also a powerful notable named "migone". Glossy and abraded patina, gritty residual pigment at the top.
Height on base: 49 cm.
The Bété form a tribe established on the left bank of the Sassandra River in the south-west of the Ivory Coast. Close to the Kouya and the Niabwa, the making of their masks, as well as their function, offer great similarities.

"Guro" ed. 5Continents.