African
Art Guro (tribe) Mask
Guro mask represents the spirit of Gu,
the wife of Zamble a supernatural being. Gu is often depicted as
elegant, graceful, serene and beautiful.
Important
characteristics of note, found in Guro art are; A skillful combination
of human and animal forms. Notable features on masks, are almond shaped
eyes, rounded foreheads, finely sculptured nose and mouth with small but
sprouting lips. Hairdos and headdress are delicately sculptured and
elaborate. The masks are normally colorful and coated with natural dyes.
Headdress or delicately carved
hairstyles, indicate that the being represented in its art form, do not
carry heavy objects on its head this in African tradition indicates
wealth and prosperity.
Sacred guro masks, delicately crafted
and colorful are used and honored during sacrificial gatherings,
funerals, and celebrations. They honor protective spirits called "zuzu"
and these spirits were housed in shrines.
The Guro tribe was originally known as
the "Kweni", but during 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 governed and
regulated by a council of elders, and each main family has
representation on the council.
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