Zamblé Mask - Gouro - Côte d'Ivoire






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
€100 | ||
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€76 | ||
€70 | ||
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Masque Zamblé, an original Gouro wooden mask from Côte d'Ivoire, measuring 365 × 110 × 85 mm (height × width × depth) and weighing 0.680 kg, in good condition.
Description from the seller
Ivory Coast
Gouro
Wood
Height: 365 mm
Width: 110 mm
Depth: 85 mm
Old tribal repair on the top rear with a metal staple, see photo of the back.
Gouro Zamblé mask from Ivory Coast. This type of mask, very colorful, animalistic, with long horns, is one of the most emblematic and powerful masks of the entire Gouro culture.
Zamblé: the masculine, hybrid, and feared mask.
Zamblé is a mythical hero and a bush spirit.
It combines traits of:
- leopard
- antelope
- crocodile
- supernatural genie
This is not a real animal: it is a composite creature, symbol of power, speed, danger, and beauty.
The Zamblé mask was used for:
1. Prestige ritual dance
Zamblé is danced during:
- major village feasts
- honor ceremonies
- visits of important guests
- celebrations of social cohesion
It is a spectacular, swift, acrobatic mask, impressive for its virtuosity.
2. Spiritual protection
Zamblé is regarded as a protector of the village.
It serves to:
- ward off negative forces
- purify a space
- restore balance after a grave event
- protect lineages
It acts as a guardian.
3. Important funerals
Zamblé comes out to accompany:
- funerals of prestigious men
- rites of passage
- rituals closing a mourning
- He dances to honor the deceased and open the passage between worlds.
4. Social and moral role
Zamblé can intervene to:
- remind village rules
- support the authority of elders
- maintain order
He is respected, sometimes feared.
3. Why these bright colors?
Unlike the Baoulé or the Sénoufo, the Gouro use:
- very bright colors
- geometric patterns
- strong contrasts
This enhances:
- the visibility of the mask in dance
- its supernatural character
- its role as sacred spectacle
Conclusion
This Zamblé mask was used to:
➤ Embody a powerful hybrid spirit
➤ Dance at major ceremonies
➤ Protect the village and purify the space
➤ accompany prestigious funerals
➤ reinforce social order and the authority of elders
It is a ritual, danced, spectacular mask, at the heart of Gouro identity.
Packages are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery between 1 to 3 days in France with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide with Colissimo international.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
Ivory Coast
Gouro
Wood
Height: 365 mm
Width: 110 mm
Depth: 85 mm
Old tribal repair on the top rear with a metal staple, see photo of the back.
Gouro Zamblé mask from Ivory Coast. This type of mask, very colorful, animalistic, with long horns, is one of the most emblematic and powerful masks of the entire Gouro culture.
Zamblé: the masculine, hybrid, and feared mask.
Zamblé is a mythical hero and a bush spirit.
It combines traits of:
- leopard
- antelope
- crocodile
- supernatural genie
This is not a real animal: it is a composite creature, symbol of power, speed, danger, and beauty.
The Zamblé mask was used for:
1. Prestige ritual dance
Zamblé is danced during:
- major village feasts
- honor ceremonies
- visits of important guests
- celebrations of social cohesion
It is a spectacular, swift, acrobatic mask, impressive for its virtuosity.
2. Spiritual protection
Zamblé is regarded as a protector of the village.
It serves to:
- ward off negative forces
- purify a space
- restore balance after a grave event
- protect lineages
It acts as a guardian.
3. Important funerals
Zamblé comes out to accompany:
- funerals of prestigious men
- rites of passage
- rituals closing a mourning
- He dances to honor the deceased and open the passage between worlds.
4. Social and moral role
Zamblé can intervene to:
- remind village rules
- support the authority of elders
- maintain order
He is respected, sometimes feared.
3. Why these bright colors?
Unlike the Baoulé or the Sénoufo, the Gouro use:
- very bright colors
- geometric patterns
- strong contrasts
This enhances:
- the visibility of the mask in dance
- its supernatural character
- its role as sacred spectacle
Conclusion
This Zamblé mask was used to:
➤ Embody a powerful hybrid spirit
➤ Dance at major ceremonies
➤ Protect the village and purify the space
➤ accompany prestigious funerals
➤ reinforce social order and the authority of elders
It is a ritual, danced, spectacular mask, at the heart of Gouro identity.
Packages are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery between 1 to 3 days in France with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide with Colissimo international.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
