Gouro mask - Côte d'Ivoire
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Gouro wooden mask from Côte d'Ivoire, of the Gouro people, 36 cm high, in good condition, authentic/original.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Gouro
Material. Wood
Dimension. 36 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
General structure: The mask has an elongated oval shape, typical of Gouro aesthetics,
The headdress: At the top of the mask there is a crescent moon-shaped or inverted arc motif, very stylized. This type of ornament adds an architectural dimension to the piece.
Metal ornaments: The most striking feature of this piece is the inlay of small brass or gilt copper nails. These elements punctuate the forehead, the corners of the eyes, the cheekbones, and the corners of the mouth, providing a bright contrast with the dark wood.
Facial features:
The eyes: They are represented by elongated, half-closed slits, expressing a form of serenity or contemplation.
The nose: Fine and straight, it descends elegantly from the forehead, highlighting the delicacy of the sculpture.
The mouth: Small, located lower on the face, with slightly protruding lips.
The contour: The edges of the mask are finely chiselled, creating a serrated or festooned border all around the face, which reinforces the decorative and meticulous aspect of the work.
Cultural context
Gouro masks, often called Zaouli masks or associated with other masked dances, are not mere decorative objects. In their original context:
They appear during social ceremonies, funerals, or festive celebrations.
They often embody protective spirits or characters from local mythology.
The technical mastery shown here (engraving, metal inlay) testifies to the important status of the sculptor within the community.
In summary, this piece is a refined work of art that blends a great sobriety of form with meticulous ornamental detail, making it a highly representative and aesthetically accomplished example of Gouro statuary.
Would you like to know more about the specific ritual function of this type of mask or about the sculpting techniques used by Gouro artists?
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Gouro
Material. Wood
Dimension. 36 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
General structure: The mask has an elongated oval shape, typical of Gouro aesthetics,
The headdress: At the top of the mask there is a crescent moon-shaped or inverted arc motif, very stylized. This type of ornament adds an architectural dimension to the piece.
Metal ornaments: The most striking feature of this piece is the inlay of small brass or gilt copper nails. These elements punctuate the forehead, the corners of the eyes, the cheekbones, and the corners of the mouth, providing a bright contrast with the dark wood.
Facial features:
The eyes: They are represented by elongated, half-closed slits, expressing a form of serenity or contemplation.
The nose: Fine and straight, it descends elegantly from the forehead, highlighting the delicacy of the sculpture.
The mouth: Small, located lower on the face, with slightly protruding lips.
The contour: The edges of the mask are finely chiselled, creating a serrated or festooned border all around the face, which reinforces the decorative and meticulous aspect of the work.
Cultural context
Gouro masks, often called Zaouli masks or associated with other masked dances, are not mere decorative objects. In their original context:
They appear during social ceremonies, funerals, or festive celebrations.
They often embody protective spirits or characters from local mythology.
The technical mastery shown here (engraving, metal inlay) testifies to the important status of the sculptor within the community.
In summary, this piece is a refined work of art that blends a great sobriety of form with meticulous ornamental detail, making it a highly representative and aesthetically accomplished example of Gouro statuary.
Would you like to know more about the specific ritual function of this type of mask or about the sculpting techniques used by Gouro artists?
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Gouro mask
Height
36 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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