Mask - We are Guéré. - Côte d'Ivoire
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Current bid
€ 70
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 550 - € 630
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 Bidder 4463 | €70 | |
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We Guéré mask from Côte d’Ivoire, provenance private collection, height 31 cm, mid-20th century, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
We Guere masks, originating from the We and Guere peoples of the western Ivory Coast, play a central role in rituals of protection, purification, and social mediation. These masks, often carved from hard wood and adorned with geometric motifs or natural pigments, represent spirits or forces of nature.
Used during ceremonies such as funerals, initiations, or harvests, they embody spiritual entities capable of soothing conflicts, driving away evil spirits, or ensuring balance between the living and the ancestors. The masked dancer, in a trance, becomes the conduit of these sacred messages, weaving together movement, music, and symbols.
These masks, though less common today, remain a living testament to spirituality and communal cohesion among the We and Guere.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
We Guere masks, originating from the We and Guere peoples of the western Ivory Coast, play a central role in rituals of protection, purification, and social mediation. These masks, often carved from hard wood and adorned with geometric motifs or natural pigments, represent spirits or forces of nature.
Used during ceremonies such as funerals, initiations, or harvests, they embody spiritual entities capable of soothing conflicts, driving away evil spirits, or ensuring balance between the living and the ancestors. The masked dancer, in a trance, becomes the conduit of these sacred messages, weaving together movement, music, and symbols.
These masks, though less common today, remain a living testament to spirituality and communal cohesion among the We and Guere.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
We are Guéré.
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
31 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
