Tribal Art

Guro mask (N° 23578)

African mask whose rounded forehead, delimited by parallel streaks indicating the hair, offers a midrib running from the skull to the tip of the nose. This element characterizes the statuary from the area between the Guro and the Bétés. The toothed mouth is in powerful projection. This mask, whose function remains poorly documented, would symbolize masculine strength, and perhaps also a notable named "migone". Mottled matte patina, long desiccation crack of the thick patina. Kaolin filmy residues.
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, have great similarities.

The Bété are divided into ninety-three ethnic groups and belong to the Krou group, like the Wé and the Dida. Practicing the cult of the bagnon, they wear masks provoking terror, called Gré, with a domed forehead and sometimes also a horned head, in order to protect themselves spirits. "Guro" ed. 5Continents.