This is the rating and price for Lot Of 6 Early 20Th C. African Guro Vibrant Wood Masks

Description : West Africa, Ivory Coast, Guro culture, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A remarkable ensemble of six anthropomorphic masks, all featuring slit eyes, broad noses, and petite ears capped by incised, black hair. Three of the vizards boast a high burnish over red-orange paint with open, smiling mouths and ceremonial scarification marks on their cheeks and forehead. Two others are also painted red, but present closed, straight mouths and no scarification. The last visage is enveloped in a vibrant shade of blue with a decorative border of light blue and yellow. Skillfully carved animals, such as birds, a dog, and a monkey, cap the heads of four of the masks, while one of the non-burnished red masks displays two curved horns and a slender goatee. Size: 6.75 W x 19 H (17.1 cm x 48.3 cm) These masks would have been part of a group of masks considered a family. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 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. Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #162649
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