Guro Peoples, Ivory Coast

Elegant in its elongated proportions, this mask by the Guro peoples of the Ivory Coast represents the forest spirit Gu, who embodies the ideal of feminine beauty. The curving horns on her head connect her to the antelope, signifying her gracefulness. The long, straight nose, starting just below the swag denoting Gu’s hair, divides the mask symmetrically. Marks and lines next to and beneath the eye slits indicate scarification—patterns of decorative scars that enhance Gu’s beauty. Traces of red and white pigment attest that it was originally brightly painted.

Guro peoples believe that when worn for a ceremony, a mask houses the spirit it represents. Gu, her husband Zamble and his wild brother Zauli visited the community through these ceremonies, acting out (and sometimes mocking) gender and social roles. Always performed by men, Gu’s dance is elegant and restrained, accompanied by flutes and singing, but no drums. In addition to the mask, her costume traditionally consists of an antelope skin, ankle rattles, and a raffia skirt.

Wood with traces of paint, early 20th century
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1970.16