This ceremonial mask from the Guro people of Pakagbo, in the central-western region of Côte d'Ivoire, belongs to the diverse Guro mask tradition; such masks were used in performances accompanying festivals, initiation rites, and communal ceremonies. Guro masks are not portraits but rather embodiments of spiritual beings whose appearance fuses aesthetic beauty with supernatural power. A characteristic feature is the combination of idealized human facial features with expressive ornamentation - an interplay that only fully reveals its impact when combined with dance, music, and costume. Incl stand. The mask is dominated by an extraordinarily elaborate hairstyle. A comb-like, upright crest rises above a finely modeled wavy structure that extends laterally into generously defined sections of hair. A serrated decorative band, flanked by semi-circular elements, clearly separates the coiffure from the face, accentuating the carefully composed architecture of the head. The face possesses striking sculptural depth. Groups of three high-relief knobs on the forehead and cheeks, along with smaller protrusions above the bridge of the nose, evoke traditional scarification patterns and lend the surface a rhythmic quality. Sweeping brows arch over the open eyes; their downcast gaze creates a compelling contrast with the wide-open mouth. The mouth reveals both rows of teeth, while the pointed, protruding tongue enlivens the depiction, alluding to expressive dances or the manifestation of supernatural forces. The face tapers to a point at the chin, reinforcing the composition's dynamic verticality. Clear signs of wear and minor cracks bear witness to the mask's long history of ritual use, imbuing it with the patina of an object that has played a role in ceremonial performances across generations. Selected Bibliography Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste. Zurich 1979. Himmelheber, Hans: The art of the Ivory Coast. Munich 1964. Vogel, Susan Mullin: Africa Explores: 20th Century African Art. New York 1991. Vandenhoute, Claude: Masques and traditional societies of Côte d'Ivoire. Paris 1975. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington D.C. 1989. Informant: Bakari M*A*Z*1*6*5*8*9* The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.