Guro Mask

The Guro people, also called Kweni, are from the Ivory Coast in the valley regions of the Bandama River. They originated the north and northwest, driven by Mande invasions in the second half of the 18th century. From 1906-1912, they were brutally colonized by invading French colonials. The dominant Baule people of the region subsequently named them the Guro tribe. The Guro peoples are among the most prolific artists in Africa.

Villages are composed of several patrilineages, the basic social and economic units of Guro society. They are headed by their eldest members, who form a village council. In traditional Guro society there was no office of village chief, but a distinguished lineage head was recognized as preeminent; he was consulted in settling disputes and represented the village to outsiders.

The Guro retain their own religion, involving many cults and deities. An earth master makes sacrifices to the earth for the benefit of the village and its inhabitants. Each village also has a diviner who is consulted before important decisions are made.

Guro masks represents the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble a supernatural being. Gu is often depicted as elegant, graceful, serene and beautiful. Important attributes of Guro art are: a skillful combination of human and animal forms, notable features on masks such as almond shaped eyes, rounded foreheads, finely sculptured nose and mouth with small but sprouting lips, hairdos and headdress that are delicately sculptured and elaborate, and a bright color palette coated with natural dyes.

Headdress or delicately carved hairstyles indicate that the being represented in its art form does not carry heavy objects on its head-- in African tradition, this indicates wealth and prosperity.

Sacred masks are used and honored during sacrificial gatherings, funerals, and celebrations. They honor protective spirits called "zuzu" and these spirits were housed in shrines.