|
|
|
|
Guro, Elephant Mask
Tribe: Guro (Guru, Kweni)
Region: Ivory Coast
Size: 26"
Weight: 1lbs 11oz
Material: wood, rafia
Masks carved by the Guro tribe were very often recognisable images of living people
and often ordered by their relatives for specific ceremonies and rituals.
This mask presents a finely carved, elongated girl's head with soft, elegant
features, an S-shape profile (swelling brow, concave face) and a closed, delicate
mouth. There are facial scarifications on both cheeks. Two-colored ear-pieces are decorated
with raffia. The shaved hairline is presented as curved parallel incisions.
The mask is surmounted by a small elephant head (stylised ears, trunk and
tusks) that creates an impressive duo with a bigger trunk and tusks that grow
from the bottom part of the face. According to a member of the Guru tribe those
features are the attributes of strength and power.
View Larger Image
|
|
