**Originally Listed At $1200**
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Guro culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A finely carved and painted wooden mask of the mythical figure Zamble, with an elegant anthropomorphic and zoomorphic visage resembling a blend of antelope and human features. Adorned in hues of scarlet, cobalt, black, and white, the fascinating vizard presents characteristically elongated attributes, such as a tall forehead, a stretched nasal bridge, and a lengthy, square snout, accompanied by down-turned, semi-circular eyes, a pointed nose, and a large mouth held open to display 2 rows of jagged teeth and a red tongue. A set of 4 curved antlers tower high above the mask, extending from the top of the head, while incised, zigzag striations cap the forehead horizontally. The verso features a series of annular drill holes, allowing the piece to be strapped to the head or costume of its wearer with a wooden bar strapped to the lower section for one to place their chin. Size: 12.5" W x 33.125" H (31.8 cm x 84.1 cm); 35.25" H (89.5 cm) on included custom stand.
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: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Thomas McNemar collection
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#165679
Condition
Collection number inscribed on bottom periphery of verso. Some nicks, chips, abrasions, and old inactive insect holes throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.