Mblo portrait mask - Gouro Baoulé - Côte d'Ivoire (No reserve price)

Gouro (or Guro) masks come from the south-central Mande group of Ivory Coast, along the Bandama River. They belong to secret societies such as Gyé or Dyé and are strictly reserved for men; women must hide when they are worn. Their iconography blends several zoomorphic elements: an elongated head topped with a curved projection, an open mouth incised with teeth, and sometimes perforated ears reminiscent of the famous Boa ears. Some masks also incorporate animal motifs (snake, bird) and shell headdresses, underscoring the link between humans and nature spirits. In the Zaouli dance, introduced in the 1950s, Gouro masks come in two zoomorphic forms followed by an anthropomorphic mask considered to be the wife of the mythical hero Zamblé. This combination creates a visual narrative where protective spirits, personified by the masks, form an alliance with the men, ensuring fertility, prosperity and village protection. Thus, Gouro masks are at once refined works of art and essential ritual instruments, embodying the power of the spirits and the social cohesion of the community.

Presentation of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African and ethnographic art. A reference seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we have a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

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