NDLI: Guro Ceremonial Mask

Guro Ceremonial Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	The Guro are a Mande-speaking people who live in Ivory Coast. They produce very few sculptural figures and many masks. Their masks have somewhat stylized human faces. They are more rounded than the masks of the Baule, who are their neighbours. Guro Masks have a small mouth, a thin nose with a sharp line ending in point just above the eyes, and curly hair. For the Guro, like many other Africans, the dead man’s or the ancestor’s spirit is associated with the fertility of the earth, as it could be invoked to intercede on behalf of the living to control natural forces like rain, bringing well being and prosperity. The ancestor is also associated with human fertility, especially since it is believed that he or she will be reborn within the family. Zaouli and Zamle represent the male and female ancestors respectively. The Zaouli mask of the an animal with horns and the Zamle mask with crocodile jaws and antelope horns have polychrome finish. They are worn at funerals of important people and at night to hunt evil sorcerers. As the mask embodies a spirit, the Zaoule or Zamle masks (and not the wearer of the mask) has the authority to uphold the law and settle disputes. Women cannot touch these masks. The eyes of Zaouli masks have different colors, one eye presiding over the world of living, and the other, red eye, over the invisible world of spirits and darkness. The Zamle masks are zoomorphic and often have polychrome paint or a dark glossy patina.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Baule Ceremonies and Practices Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Guro Mande-speaking people Museum Object Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Ritual Mask Sculpture Zamle Zaouli Zoomorphic
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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