A horned Guro mask, Ivory Coast, Oumé region. of flattened, hollowed shape, partly decorated wit remnants of white kaolin, the touch patina of the left horn shows how the mask was hold in the hand of the dancer, incl. stand. This Guro mask, from the Oumé region of Ivory Coast, exemplifies the artistry and spiritual significance of Guro ceremonial objects. Used in dances during funerals, initiation rites, and festivals, the mask serves as a conduit between the community and ancestral spirits. It features symmetrical, refined facial features with a high forehead, narrow eyes, and a small mouth, often adorned with scarification patterns and pigments. Raffia or fiber attachments suggest hair or beards, while vivid colors and geometric designs express social identity and moral values. Beyond its visual appeal, the mask is a performative work of art, activated through dance and music, reflecting the Guro’s cultural ideals, cosmology, and artistic mastery. In Guro masks, horns are a common motif and carry multiple symbolic meanings. They often represent power, strength, and spiritual authority, linking the wearer to ancestral or animal forces that embody these qualities. Horns can also signify agility, vigilance, or protective abilities, drawing on associations with animals such as antelopes, buffalo, or other horned creatures that are admired for their energy and defensive skills. Beyond these symbolic qualities, the horns contribute to the visual impact and hierarchy of the mask, making it appear more imposing and dynamic during performances. They may also indicate social or ritual status, signaling the mask’s role in initiation ceremonies, funerals, or communal festivals. In this way, horns are both a formal aesthetic element and a conduit for spiritual or moral meaning, linking the human performer to the symbolic power of the mask in Guro culture. CAB31335