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African & Tribal Art :
Guro, Yaure : Guro Wooden Polychrome Colonian Mask
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Guro Wooden Polychrome Colonian Mask - PF.3082
Origin: Central Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9" (22.9cm) high
x 5.75" (14.6cm) wide
Collection: African Art
Style: Guro
Medium: Wood
£8,600.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
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This beautiful mask depicts a delicate face of a female. As characteristic in many Guro masks, this mask emphasizes a great sensibility in features and graceful flowing lines. Smooth, flowing lines form delicate cheekbones, chin, and the contour of the face. Her almond shaped eyes are very gentle and yet the hollow circular holes inside the eyes seem to pierce through anyone who stands in front of the mask. The demure essence created by the gentle lines and small facial features are dramatically contrasted by the bold, bright red colour of the face. The smooth, polished surface of the red mask seems to gleam, radiating stunning physical presence and energy. Moreover, her hair is neatly combed to the sides and the deep black of the hair beautifully compliments the radiant red of the face. What would be the significance of such bold red colour on a gentle and demure mask?
Perhaps people of the Guro tribe wanted to express one's energy and passion that override the physicality of humans. Or perhaps the colour red was symbolic of femininity, as neighbouring tribes such as the Baule also used red to signify the female gender in their masks. No matter what the exact meaning was, this mask still grasps viewers with its gentle and yet stunning power and beauty.
- (PF.3082)
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