This Guro face mask from the Zénoula region in the central-west of Côte d'Ivoire belongs to a group of festival and dance masks that, within Guro society, combine ideals of beauty with the manifestation of spiritual beings. They accompanied initiations, harvest festivals, and ceremonial events. Their impact relied on the harmonious interplay of sculpture, polychrome finish, costume, and choreographic movement. Incl. stand. The mask’s striking, contrasting polychromy is particularly impressive. The face is finished entirely in a vibrant red, while the towering hairstyle - topped with a small, distinct braid - is rendered in deep black. This deliberate juxtaposition of color fields enhances the sculptural form and draws the eye to the finely modeled facial features. Small, meticulously carved ears frame the face, underscoring its balanced proportions. Beneath the high forehead, two fine, black-accentuated eyebrow arches span the nearly closed eyes. Black outlines on the eyelids lend the gaze a calm, contemplative quality. A slender nose forms the face's elegant central axis. The slightly parted mouth, with its black-painted lips, reveals a row of white teeth and creates a subtle smile that defines an expression of refined serenity. This idealized physiognomy reflects the Guro aesthetic canon, in which inner harmony and outer beauty are considered inextricably linked. Traces of pigment loss, minor losses, and signs of use bear witness to a long history of ritual performances, lending the mask its authentic historical presence. Selected Bibliography Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: *Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste*. Zurich, 1979. Himmelheber, Hans: *Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste*. 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*6*0*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.