Face mask
In Guro culture, distinctions are made between masquerades that are the focus of cults and those that are more secular in nature. A sequence of three sacred masks centers around Zamble, a mythical male being whose form fuses antelope and leopard features. He is in turn complemented by his beautiful wife, Gu, and his wild, grotesque brother, Zuali. Such representations are owned by certain families that use them as the loci of sacrificial offerings proposed by diviners to improve their well-being. In contrast, other Guro mask forms, which serve only as sources of entertainment, are designed by individual performers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Face mask
- Artist: Guro artist
- Date: 19th–mid-20th century
- Geography: Côte d'Ivoire, central Côte d'Ivoire
- Culture: Guro
- Medium: Wood, pigment
- Dimensions: H. 10 1/4 x W. 6 x D. 5 in. (26 x 15.2 x 12.7 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Schindler, 1967
- Object Number: 1978.412.539
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Guro artist
19th century
Guro artist
19th–mid-20th century
Guro artist
19th–early 20th century
Guro artist
19th–early 20th century
Guro artist
19th–mid-20th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.